tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49662649442718516902024-03-01T16:40:09.048+11:00A Beautiful Ramble... because life is beautiful and creativity is funKatherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-5861165544680730052013-11-09T12:32:00.000+11:002013-11-09T14:52:02.504+11:00Cord Edged Coasters: Free Crochet Pattern!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It seems to me that half the people I know are really tired right now, and I am right there, yawning along with them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Thursday, in my half asleep haze, I watched a couple of old movies (Babe, Pollyanna) while my fingers hooked up an incredible EIGHT coasters.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVvopWjWUehaJu0_e88MTeWGVqE4D177kCIumhehOVmZBynBe5p2BcdtKL9O8JUcSy3UpJ4RYrqCgY7ELCNmvZ9zO08pXBFYX2GtHUNRE-PAWuWNeAUtOeMevGM2CCpm5khDIl-NIGd1l/s1600/cordedgedcoaster1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVvopWjWUehaJu0_e88MTeWGVqE4D177kCIumhehOVmZBynBe5p2BcdtKL9O8JUcSy3UpJ4RYrqCgY7ELCNmvZ9zO08pXBFYX2GtHUNRE-PAWuWNeAUtOeMevGM2CCpm5khDIl-NIGd1l/s400/cordedgedcoaster1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsLiNegD6IuCKFeaURrMsB8O-USLlcva_mcX1am2uZutdLvc19tXFUQsGzlSls2C0jk60Ge193dv1Vl6Cozliw2qePLtPM4i-WlzYB4oPg0pBXgB0JExQQLGqhKeEZ2Bzn679px2258Ga/s1600/cordedgedcoaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsLiNegD6IuCKFeaURrMsB8O-USLlcva_mcX1am2uZutdLvc19tXFUQsGzlSls2C0jk60Ge193dv1Vl6Cozliw2qePLtPM4i-WlzYB4oPg0pBXgB0JExQQLGqhKeEZ2Bzn679px2258Ga/s400/cordedgedcoaster.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I then used Snapchat to turn them into pictures to send to my friends: </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0HK7yUpZa5nE8pfbL9zTMPH94FZLys3X9Hhl7U-g74SUs6uduHmx3MNfiLvF9Zr_tOm9ob7Hm5-b-i7hMc9Fwdnsc2AiCpNbyxcKsCRqun8FC2ek4mj78tr7YNTfnvHmA_RBDHWuuUcg/s1600/cordedgedcoastertree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0HK7yUpZa5nE8pfbL9zTMPH94FZLys3X9Hhl7U-g74SUs6uduHmx3MNfiLvF9Zr_tOm9ob7Hm5-b-i7hMc9Fwdnsc2AiCpNbyxcKsCRqun8FC2ek4mj78tr7YNTfnvHmA_RBDHWuuUcg/s1600/cordedgedcoastertree.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought I would share the incredibly simple pattern with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I used a ball of 8ply (DK) that I scored from a secondhand shop years ago for $2, and then dyed. Out of the 99.7m (109yards) I just managed to eke out eight coasters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are five: </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cY0yacB7L0/Un2Hw5jBBZI/AAAAAAAACDc/3uzqYDNVDBA/s1600/cordedgedcoasterset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cY0yacB7L0/Un2Hw5jBBZI/AAAAAAAACDc/3uzqYDNVDBA/s400/cordedgedcoasterset.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cord Edged Coasters</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>This pattern uses US terms!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>UK/AUS terms are in italics, eg: </b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">triple crochet</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">) </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">!</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Yarn: </b>I used DK weight yarn</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Hook:</b> I used a 4mm (G) hook</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Start:</b> Make a loop to crochet into, you could do a magic loop if you want to. Because I wanted to get the most out of my yarn, I made a slip stitch (leaving a very short tail), chained 4, then slip stitched into the first stitch to close it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Round 1: </b>chain 2, make twelve double crochets (<i>triple crochet</i>) into the ring, slip stitch into top of first double crochet </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">triple crochet</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">) </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to join.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Round 2: </b>chain 2, make two double crochets </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">triple crochet</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in the same stitch, and in each stitch thereafter. Slip stitch into the top of the first double crochet </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">triple crochet</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to join. (24 stitches in total)</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Round 3: </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">chain 2, make one double crochet </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">triple crochet</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in the same stitch, and two double crochets </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">triple crochet</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern of one double crochet </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">triple crochet</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">) </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and then two double crochets </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">triple crochet</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (1, 2) all the way around.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Slip stitch into the top of the first double crochet </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">triple crochet</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to join.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (36 stitches in total)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the next round, instead of doing double crochet</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">triple crochet</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">, we make single crochet (</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">double crochet</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Round 4:</b> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">C</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">hain 2, make one single crochet (<i>double crochet</i>) in the same stitch, a single crochet </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">double crochet</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> into the next stitch, and two single crochets</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">double crochet</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in the stitch after that. Repeat this pattern (1, 1, 2) all the way around.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Slip stitch into the top of the first single crochet </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">double crochet</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to join.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (48 stitches in total)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now, the bit that feels really weird! We are going to do reverse single crochet (also called crab stitch) to make the edging. This just backwards crochet. I am left handed, so usually I crochet in a clockwise direction. For reverse single crochet, however, I crochet in an anti-clockwise direction. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are lots of video tutorials already on the web. I have embedded one at the end of this post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Edging: </b>chain 1, skip the closest stitch, and reverse single crochet all the way around for that lovely cord-like edging. Finish it off by cutting a tail of about 10cm (4inches), threading it only a needle, and making a couple of stitches that mimic the previous crab stitch. Weave in ends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now make yourself a drink and use the coaster!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">This pattern is for personal use only. The pattern may not be distributed or sold. Items made from this pattern, however, are yours to do what you wish with, including selling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="324" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9TW0dBKoFck?feature=player_embedded" width="576"></iframe></span><br />
<a href="http://www.mooglyblog.com/reverse-single-crochet-crab-stitch/">http://www.mooglyblog.com/reverse-single-crochet-crab-stitch/</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-39208251311889499532013-10-25T09:30:00.000+11:002013-10-31T21:38:17.785+11:00I'll Lend You A Child<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A little while ago I came across this beautiful poem. It is for all parents, irrespective of whether or not you have lost a child - or, as this poem puts it, had them "called back". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I'll lend you for a while a child of mine," He said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and should his stay be brief,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I cannot promise he will stay; since all from earth return,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've looked the wide world over in My search for teachers true</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have chosen you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now will you give him all your love, not think the labor vain,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nor hate Me when I come to call to take him back again?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For all the joy Thy child will bring, the risk of grief we run.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But should the angels call for him much sooner than we've planned,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We'll bra</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ve the bitter grief that comes and try to understand!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Edgar Guest</span>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-5814801278908910272013-10-23T21:50:00.000+11:002013-10-24T01:21:40.672+11:00In the Garden: There is Life!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After a week of anxious waiting, yesterday I was thrilled to return home from work to teeny tiny beetroot sprouts!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7e9cO6sYxmJWJbsr9OG0glrGb33RyWjuymfvWMKEG6u9vSUjM4uUMxtcWfWxLxU9HoXGAqSOfpy2JAt0UomC1SDyXRmrw8lD4B6Ly7kZ5sbvGzq4_S-Ez2W_VMCQ2E1Hy5B814gwYcg2/s1600/Vegetable+Garden+%252832%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7e9cO6sYxmJWJbsr9OG0glrGb33RyWjuymfvWMKEG6u9vSUjM4uUMxtcWfWxLxU9HoXGAqSOfpy2JAt0UomC1SDyXRmrw8lD4B6Ly7kZ5sbvGzq4_S-Ez2W_VMCQ2E1Hy5B814gwYcg2/s400/Vegetable+Garden+%252832%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today, there were finally signs of life outside in the "real" garden too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Snowpea!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUis8EI5QTaDEZRIv7qmFAAJeOm5rWfB2t58SWdvr-sS9KD8ABIDcAjlAGEiqNRhfEiayj0WUH2P9GZyP2CdjIGjbBlnPTMZ4wvIkZWJFS9mQyZniGkliyk1VYeHCcp3kw7xS2MtOrBUU/s1600/Vegetable+Garden+(26).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUis8EI5QTaDEZRIv7qmFAAJeOm5rWfB2t58SWdvr-sS9KD8ABIDcAjlAGEiqNRhfEiayj0WUH2P9GZyP2CdjIGjbBlnPTMZ4wvIkZWJFS9mQyZniGkliyk1VYeHCcp3kw7xS2MtOrBUU/s400/Vegetable+Garden+(26).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">More beetroot!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MuOxf9gOOyoiAYn2in4BW8uRe1r9KrtQQgltBKwIRPV4G1yNfHbzimDGdKq9ULQfyCYEUA6Ps4GbSUF482VqrtXTQkl6thnMFTsXMDw2zMwWYYJVhTaeU_8HNImILy7VV3V07gbII_7q/s1600/Vegetable+Garden+(28).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MuOxf9gOOyoiAYn2in4BW8uRe1r9KrtQQgltBKwIRPV4G1yNfHbzimDGdKq9ULQfyCYEUA6Ps4GbSUF482VqrtXTQkl6thnMFTsXMDw2zMwWYYJVhTaeU_8HNImILy7VV3V07gbII_7q/s400/Vegetable+Garden+(28).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lettuce!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since taking these photos another snowpea and a bean have poked out too. YAY!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Meanwhile, I have six tomato plants and a chili plant on my kitchen windowsill. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Behind them, the view to the garden - my little tiny veggie garden!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And the strawberries? Between the three plants are growing more than thirty strawberries! Woohoo!</span><br />
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Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-47514824543233446672013-10-21T10:00:00.000+11:002013-10-21T11:03:30.095+11:00Almond Crumble<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dedicated readers and faithful family members may remember that a long time ago, <a href="http://abeautifulramble.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/i-made-almond-milk.html">I made almond milk</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Recently, I have started making it again, as Julian has decided to cut dairy out of his diet (he is fairly sure he is mildly lactose intolerant). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have simplified the recipe for<b> almond milk</b> even further:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb894yQNlHhlHoXZsL5-HsHObIool0r9ivXPY6ltUv0y-zaICCR7gVYCtNb-SDAMAe6cyvQxXqIgM7nlfOSzzFhrJLkUMYkf7TppFk7lEmm0AOu1-lyDgfWa-BJAGfr5OgwHJfQjw0FFz9/s1600/IMG_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb894yQNlHhlHoXZsL5-HsHObIool0r9ivXPY6ltUv0y-zaICCR7gVYCtNb-SDAMAe6cyvQxXqIgM7nlfOSzzFhrJLkUMYkf7TppFk7lEmm0AOu1-lyDgfWa-BJAGfr5OgwHJfQjw0FFz9/s400/IMG_0356.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">SOAK: 1 cup of natural almonds overnight in plenty of water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BLEND: Drain, rinse, and blend in fresh water (a few cups)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">STRAIN: Though a muslin cloth (a clean hankie works perfectly), add water to make volume anywhere between 1 to 2 litres</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Easy peasy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The only problem is that making almond milk at least once a week leaves me with lots of almond meal. As in, mountain of meal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know there are lots of recipes for using almond meal all over the internet, but my almond meal is quite coarse (a stick blender only gets so far). While I think it would still work for the various recipes, I have another issue: lots of these recipes call for ingredients that my budget frowns upon. Glares, even.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, here is a quick, easy and versatile recipe:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">ALMOND CRUMBLE!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, first things first: after making the almond milk, I usually toast the almond meal a little to dry it out. I try to get it fairly close to its original dry weight (1 cup of almonds is 150grams - after soaking though, it can be close to 300grams). I recommend NOT skipping this step. Also, it smells nice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now that you have your lightly toasted almond meal, we are ready to begin making our almond crumble!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gather together these ingredients, bearing in mind that this is more a guideline rather than a strict recipe where things MUST be certain amounts:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">almond meal (approx 150g/1 cup)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">desiccated coconut (approx 70g/0.5 cup)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">brown sugar (approx 40-70g depending on sweetness desired - 0.3 t0 0.5 cup)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">butter (approx 70grams - I like a decent amount, as I "taste test")</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Other indredients such as finely chopped walnuts, or spices such a cinnamon</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stick all the ingredients in a bowl and use your fingers to rub in the butter. Have numerous samples! Yum! When the butter is all rubbed in, the consistency should resemble course breadcrumbs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now that you have made the basic crumble, there are various uses for it. So far I have used it as a topping for </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">apple</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">crumble and for </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">apricot</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> crumble...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">... just bear in mind that in tends to burn rather easily, so keep an eye on it, and perhaps cover it with foil for part of the baking time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have also used it as the filling for butterscotch spirals - seriously good! Make a batch of scone dough*, roll it into a rectangle, spread with creamed brown sugar and butter, top with crumble mixture, roll up, slice, place in ring tin and back in hot oven.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*I use a basic scone dough recipe from the <a href="https://www.google.com.au/search?q=central+cookery+book&rlz=1C1SAVU_enAU555AU555&oq=central+cookery+book&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.6808j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8">Central Cookery Book</a> (a Tasmanian classic). <a href="http://www.edmondscooking.co.nz/recipe-1/best-ever-scones">This recipe</a> looks similar, though add in a teaspoon of sugar for sweet scones (or just put in a pinch of salt). A lot of scone recipes use far too much sugar. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Any other ideas how this crumble could be used or adapted? Leave a comment below so I can try it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And follow me on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kathykoo/boards/">pinterest</a> - I repin lots of creative things :D</span></div>
Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-67940318207540799892013-10-16T14:06:00.000+11:002013-10-16T14:06:00.464+11:00In the Garden: Seeds Are In!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My mother-in-law came over yesterday to help us dig our garden. We added lots of poo into the soil! Sheep poo and cow poo - yummy yum yum yum! We found three worms; hopefully more will turn up now the soil has all been turned and manured.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My two helpers did an excellent job digging up and weeding, but not such a good job when it came to smiling for the camera:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And here is is all dug! Down one side are bamboo support poles. Soon they will be covered with climbing beans and snow peas. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGmpLpz47G9tC-MoxiR3kGCxVXmzTu71stx9TiGjKKT2-ThQVHQVqXF6dUHnJ3tfuHxTbDcplQ3onOxq-mUq_LBO3wiBvI0prLQkuMfbR6F5RdbSNe-YGbccv3P2Qn0LfVh4c1R-SCh-T/s1600/Vegetable+Garden+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGmpLpz47G9tC-MoxiR3kGCxVXmzTu71stx9TiGjKKT2-ThQVHQVqXF6dUHnJ3tfuHxTbDcplQ3onOxq-mUq_LBO3wiBvI0prLQkuMfbR6F5RdbSNe-YGbccv3P2Qn0LfVh4c1R-SCh-T/s400/Vegetable+Garden+(15).JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since taking this photo, the top pole, which goes across the top of the three teepees, has also been tied on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As you can see from the above photos, there is a huge pine tree at the back of the yard. When we were digging up the dirt we found lots of pine roots. At first they were just discarded, but we found a fantastic use for them: ties for the bamboo teepees. I love the rustic look of the pine roots being used to tie the bamboo poles together.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NGxRxIP4Lp3SmkYfXeZeoweJw58BozYdXWGQEYY-KCvf6jmJE5uIsdcigISaNV48wCRBP56DssLfljpwiX63Dh_xDL48jA7UbSPmT9L20ak9ihQLR2XQGf4ayOLWFAc-2VYAzkwHVGan/s1600/Vegetable+Garden+%252818%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NGxRxIP4Lp3SmkYfXeZeoweJw58BozYdXWGQEYY-KCvf6jmJE5uIsdcigISaNV48wCRBP56DssLfljpwiX63Dh_xDL48jA7UbSPmT9L20ak9ihQLR2XQGf4ayOLWFAc-2VYAzkwHVGan/s400/Vegetable+Garden+%252818%2529.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The majority of the garden has been planted now. Only the snow peas need to be sowed, and the celery transplanted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here is the garden, all sown and planted (minus snow peas and celery):</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-9yeologuJlCDGUsVhGmeCg8wyZsErAjrPXPWGi9qn3HzHy8tY5ZRzMUPmal3cMYPqio8AUk01B0n33MHUHEkDZSAdnN-2fkuXvKFAgIw8X4LKPJTHfyD5xCgnqNo_R9zQ1g8hN6aArd/s1600/Vegetable+Garden+(19).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-9yeologuJlCDGUsVhGmeCg8wyZsErAjrPXPWGi9qn3HzHy8tY5ZRzMUPmal3cMYPqio8AUk01B0n33MHUHEkDZSAdnN-2fkuXvKFAgIw8X4LKPJTHfyD5xCgnqNo_R9zQ1g8hN6aArd/s400/Vegetable+Garden+(19).JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNk3BqxuN4JboiI4lxcb0bQDQ3XoxetQU76bZLdh-yMC3SMM6LnqiAmIG3qE3sQa8eW9_oRTJ6GZ8KMd2mj_grvHB-BR_qB8RJVy8mMdlohTPakafFT1rIXH2m3kAFR4dKhes3U6HbKAJ/s1600/Vegetable+Garden+%252822%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNk3BqxuN4JboiI4lxcb0bQDQ3XoxetQU76bZLdh-yMC3SMM6LnqiAmIG3qE3sQa8eW9_oRTJ6GZ8KMd2mj_grvHB-BR_qB8RJVy8mMdlohTPakafFT1rIXH2m3kAFR4dKhes3U6HbKAJ/s400/Vegetable+Garden+%252822%2529.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh, humble beginnings! Soon this will be a thriving patch of deliciousness!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Already planted, we have:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">climbing beans </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">silverbeet (the colourful variety)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">dwarf beans</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">two heirloom varieties of beetroot</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">loose leaf lettuce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">spring onions (all SIX HUNDRED AND FIFTY seeds accidentally dumped in one area!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">zucchini (this may not germinate, the soil may be too cold)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">lettuce seedlings</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Asian greens seedlings (the names of which I can't remember, except that one of the four types is red mustard)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">parsley and sage (shown below)</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhM7adJr25etSRL4_VVJI6xq65HpKeJfXLzu0Lreylkceff_HmVMeDrbZ3YCHEi6G3wLGKwpcwTOyVHiFo1XQDjo_v4Lb_aBz5oMQW6llAoEjqqHBwWz9xGs2RphUFsmgtqOG3ApIues-/s1600/Vegetable+Garden+%252820%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhM7adJr25etSRL4_VVJI6xq65HpKeJfXLzu0Lreylkceff_HmVMeDrbZ3YCHEi6G3wLGKwpcwTOyVHiFo1XQDjo_v4Lb_aBz5oMQW6llAoEjqqHBwWz9xGs2RphUFsmgtqOG3ApIues-/s400/Vegetable+Garden+%252820%2529.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As it is such a small patch, I cheated a little when planting the rows of beans and beetroot. I figured that as beans can be planted 10cm apart, I would do the rows much closer than the recommended 50cm. As I will not have to walk between the rows, the closer group planting ought to be more than fine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most importantly, the strawberries are thriving. I am looking forward to the first ripe strawberry so much!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRX0vWnS7pwTXvXUb5TYnZ9HM01JCzqFTXN7vbuAcE8G2DF0CxB-R0cLkLyHzNbitdWSFR8iChr3YDMBG1iITf8EJV0Xg57hFKENje-63Yl8hccp_mFzG3ne3rEhlTorC8C-t4Jb5IlkD/s1600/Vegetable+Garden+%252823%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRX0vWnS7pwTXvXUb5TYnZ9HM01JCzqFTXN7vbuAcE8G2DF0CxB-R0cLkLyHzNbitdWSFR8iChr3YDMBG1iITf8EJV0Xg57hFKENje-63Yl8hccp_mFzG3ne3rEhlTorC8C-t4Jb5IlkD/s400/Vegetable+Garden+%252823%2529.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Inside, the tomatoes have blossoms forming and the capsicums and chili plant are doing well. Just today I repotted some basil seedlings, which will also be kept inside. No doubt the next post will have pictures of all the indoor plants.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Grow plants, grow!</span></div>
Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-5328528648871843602013-10-15T02:34:00.002+11:002013-10-15T21:18:31.994+11:00Our Two Babies<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Warning</b>: this post concerns babies who died far too young.
You may want to consider skipping this post if you find this subject upsetting.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today, October 15, is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Unfortunately, my husband and I are rather well qualified for talking about
losing babies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In August 2012, only 14 or so months ago, I found out I was
pregnant. I cried, I was so thrilled! In October, at the dating scan, we found
out that baby had died. The egg had been fertilized by two sperm, and though
the tiny new life began to grow, it died very early on. I have nothing to
remember that baby by, except the photo of the pregnancy test and some
condolence cards from a few friends. And a name. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even though we did not know if the baby was a boy of a girl,
we named the baby Jeremiah. It means “God will raise up”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year, on Easter Tuesday (the beginning of April), I
found out I was pregnant again! Excitement tempered with a huge dose of
nervousness and fear was the order of the day until we actually saw the tiny,
wriggling baby that was cozy and happy in my womb. After seeing the baby,
thoughts of miscarriage fled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgs-bBNtOFR8j1tFkMdgdUbesGUNUKnodqob7MN8jSzleT8UZJ4NO4SNpMfthBLPU2p9cTH0Jd7fsQY8G-EsWlq31bR2XjufGbq6q8il0s7oVd8AecVwX_l_uPARFlGMKEBhdF6KSIN9v/s1600/Theodore+(65).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgs-bBNtOFR8j1tFkMdgdUbesGUNUKnodqob7MN8jSzleT8UZJ4NO4SNpMfthBLPU2p9cTH0Jd7fsQY8G-EsWlq31bR2XjufGbq6q8il0s7oVd8AecVwX_l_uPARFlGMKEBhdF6KSIN9v/s400/Theodore+(65).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And we did not miscarry this baby. Instead, at 23 weeks and
6 days, our tiny son was stillborn. Wow. I don’t even know how to describe the
mix of overwhelming love for our baby, the joy at seeing him and holding him,
and the sorrow and grief at knowing this was the only time on this earth where
he will be a physical part of our life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">His name is Theodore John. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God’s Gift; God is Gracious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This time, we have photos, presents, a blanket I crocheted,
a burp cloth and bib set made of the same material he is wrapped in even now, a grave we can visit. We have the memories of the
smiles, the delight, the joy, the devastation, the despair, the heartbreak. Oh,
what a bittersweet thing, to hold and love your tiny still baby. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtK66HcnUCrFl1ukafOTm7F5yZfth9pG913yXc1vZ6NIpbNQBIiZXRe8J8Xa9yM4GAkENZ5Hx6DzShvXhuCCIcd-P7yFNuqYEC1tPdUpQ_9ax81cD1eT2vQOeWfPOFqCpFnhg7XmGCZc-X/s1600/Theodore+(43).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtK66HcnUCrFl1ukafOTm7F5yZfth9pG913yXc1vZ6NIpbNQBIiZXRe8J8Xa9yM4GAkENZ5Hx6DzShvXhuCCIcd-P7yFNuqYEC1tPdUpQ_9ax81cD1eT2vQOeWfPOFqCpFnhg7XmGCZc-X/s400/Theodore+(43).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Losing a baby is something that you cannot understand until
it happens to you. You can imagine it, but you cannot understand it. Not
really. And when it happens to you, you know your heart will always be a little
bit more vulnerable and broken, because part of it stayed with the tiny child who stole into it when they
came quietly into this noisy world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You know the tears will never really stop. Sometimes the
tears are sweet as you recall the first time you saw the tiny feet that belong to your child.
Sometimes they are bitter as you see yet another woman about to burst with child, or a
newborn being cradled by its mother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But we are not alone. So many mothers and fathers have
walked this wild road before. Some keep it close to their chest. I don’t know
how they do. I know it is impossible for me. This post is for me. It is for my
husband. It is for our mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers. It is for our friends. It is for our future children. It is for the women and men like me, who talk and share and write. And it is
especially for the women and men who hold their bittersweet memories tightly.
Cry a little, laugh a little, your baby is always yours, and you are always their
mum, their dad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMLPwm9ib1Bd7x8heJ-LHI392EFV2SO33w2sUSkTgHShqrc73C8yHlSWzK7NugQiO9jvwG1lDJD06uUS2hM3bFruwCcqk5uv_yuXgPUde-0uS8sTEzDc3hbhPhcgxCrz-Lix85Ox7yQOV/s1600/Theodore+(30).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMLPwm9ib1Bd7x8heJ-LHI392EFV2SO33w2sUSkTgHShqrc73C8yHlSWzK7NugQiO9jvwG1lDJD06uUS2hM3bFruwCcqk5uv_yuXgPUde-0uS8sTEzDc3hbhPhcgxCrz-Lix85Ox7yQOV/s400/Theodore+(30).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tonight we will be lighting a candle at 7pm and letting it
burn for an hour, taking part in the <a href="http://www.october15th.com/">International Wave of Light</a>, a worldwide
event that remembers the tiny lives snuffed out so quickly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We will be lighting one for our two babies, Jeremiah and
Theodore. We will probably have a bit of a cry, and we will probably smile over precious memories. Crying, smiling, even laughing... it is all bittersweet and completely precious.</span></div>
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Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-57945493396036863262013-10-09T14:37:00.000+11:002013-10-15T18:30:53.801+11:00The Garden Begins<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The table in my loungeroom has been hijacked by a tarp and plants.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sAxFcqQ4OvE14LoI_f3ggN2-wiqVNccO0Ad3YQ7X_GdbG8b_b64yjPY51455q6PeCKW7hoQNuMrZ-5yEYhwnpqtZxaQgze4mLqsbiw9mtY8_EVuqPuF-lpV0FqnD9ooUgo1Stvbmhhqi/s1600/Vegetable+Garden+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sAxFcqQ4OvE14LoI_f3ggN2-wiqVNccO0Ad3YQ7X_GdbG8b_b64yjPY51455q6PeCKW7hoQNuMrZ-5yEYhwnpqtZxaQgze4mLqsbiw9mtY8_EVuqPuF-lpV0FqnD9ooUgo1Stvbmhhqi/s400/Vegetable+Garden+(1).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Strawberries! I am looking forward to these fruiting so much! There are three varieties in this pot: Tioga (at the front), Strawberry Delight (pink flowers - squee!), and hokowase with the long stems.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49EPUy5Cz0ty3tS792x11zv2H6WDebPw3wzwkjbkJ4RP6mMozOdLz6p7SNlxoJQQtk8gUmsq8g0puTs4K7dloVA5EBkbKCb9e8xidqeOgwUi1VgWEpqR936lA6L4DsAdWK1n9hKkRrmFL/s1600/Vegetable+Garden+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49EPUy5Cz0ty3tS792x11zv2H6WDebPw3wzwkjbkJ4RP6mMozOdLz6p7SNlxoJQQtk8gUmsq8g0puTs4K7dloVA5EBkbKCb9e8xidqeOgwUi1VgWEpqR936lA6L4DsAdWK1n9hKkRrmFL/s400/Vegetable+Garden+(7).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Growing up, my family always had a vegetable garden and fruit trees. Without them, we would definitely not have been eating as well as we did, as my Dad (a Vietnam Veteran) struggled with anything more that casual work (as many VV's do).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since getting married, my husband and I have lived in units, and could never grow anything apart from some herbs in pots. Finally, though, we are in a house! With a yard! A biiiiig yard! We moved in way back in May, and at last I am getting myself into garden-making-gear.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVT3I-Ii2Ex2IhExXn4Y329OMSjTB8PzrbAEqy3Jc6g8nApF5yPwU7hf2Vtht7GUJoU5cDSlURa0HVibXicZEhVjX46CeLgc_19NzL_x7jVqj96iGVanlQnkYBzC5ByrDb3jiEGMa1_sTa/s1600/Vegetable+Garden+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVT3I-Ii2Ex2IhExXn4Y329OMSjTB8PzrbAEqy3Jc6g8nApF5yPwU7hf2Vtht7GUJoU5cDSlURa0HVibXicZEhVjX46CeLgc_19NzL_x7jVqj96iGVanlQnkYBzC5ByrDb3jiEGMa1_sTa/s400/Vegetable+Garden+(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Sunday my mother-in-law and I hit the shops and bought garden gear. About time too, as we are half way through spring. As you can see above, we have seedlings, seeds, manure, hot pink gardening gloves (a necessity). </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We aimed for veggies that mature within 8-12 weeks, as my husband and I are most likely moving house at the end of summer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have also been making some </span><a href="http://www.noordinaryhomestead.com/recycling-a-little-junk-mail/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">origami newspaper planters</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (here is a </span><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Newspaper-Seedling-Pots" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">smaller version</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEAXy76g0_cnIFr_p-B7DzGx8FOg12h4ynZGlfa7VXrxK7jsNRPAkJiKE_mZFsEmwYAN-ACtRNUWcz_QQ_Uj70cQOQAeB-hx8Ncy7PXruQuhJ2NOriCq15NPzOqQX8EudJ73kZDUMt0xA/s1600/Vegetable+Garden+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEAXy76g0_cnIFr_p-B7DzGx8FOg12h4ynZGlfa7VXrxK7jsNRPAkJiKE_mZFsEmwYAN-ACtRNUWcz_QQ_Uj70cQOQAeB-hx8Ncy7PXruQuhJ2NOriCq15NPzOqQX8EudJ73kZDUMt0xA/s400/Vegetable+Garden+(5).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can't wait for fresh tomatoes, spring onions, lettuce, crispy beans and capsicum! This is going to be a delicious summer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I still need to dig the garden, however...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTwF2ApdUmYuOkUfYqaLBacuCEGpgwpnI24heAXB5Qy-yU6SmhYPleZhkCzI6uayvcPW2EXntkIUw1RNCfKKjggwdjF3nj_qO1yjvgqqiSeQkKU0fQft3_E2WjsNulki4TtOFtSNyYoYI/s1600/Vegetable+Garden+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTwF2ApdUmYuOkUfYqaLBacuCEGpgwpnI24heAXB5Qy-yU6SmhYPleZhkCzI6uayvcPW2EXntkIUw1RNCfKKjggwdjF3nj_qO1yjvgqqiSeQkKU0fQft3_E2WjsNulki4TtOFtSNyYoYI/s400/Vegetable+Garden+(9).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">'Like' <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ABeautifulRamble">my page</a> on facebook! And <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kathykoo/boards/">follow me</a> on pinterest! I am much better at staying active on them ;-)</span></div>
Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-28983608579096906132013-10-01T21:39:00.000+10:002013-10-09T13:44:49.033+11:00Cross Stitch Bookmarks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBql_otCjlpohwWLCsWP_Fa6z0J093aL1JMdjsNnnqpUiJM18S1lFAJg6fZ34eV3FdQX9LWbZp59OkGQTL8D8GT7s-LCVw186ImYBL3UQrbLZCLwc1BvZQEgZts9rG4l0uQ-ZLj8yW0Ll/s1600/Bookmarks%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBql_otCjlpohwWLCsWP_Fa6z0J093aL1JMdjsNnnqpUiJM18S1lFAJg6fZ34eV3FdQX9LWbZp59OkGQTL8D8GT7s-LCVw186ImYBL3UQrbLZCLwc1BvZQEgZts9rG4l0uQ-ZLj8yW0Ll/s400/Bookmarks%2521.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is one of my favourite school memories: grade five, in a country school, learning to cross stitch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My teacher that year - now long retired (that makes me sounds old, doesn't it) - was wonderful. I remember one time, the year before she taught me, walking into her classroom, to be confronted by a huge cardboard castle wall. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The year I was in her class, she did what she no doubt did every year, and invited parents to come in and teach us skills like bread-making and cross stitch. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I remember the first thing I ever embroidered, a little train. I still have the pattern. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This all sounds very nostalgic, doesn't it. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To be honest, I often find cross stitch repetitive and, if the pattern is confusing, frustrating. But it is so pretty!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After some life changing events that took place about a month ago now (which I have not yet shared here), I was feeling the need to do things. I needed to keep my mind and hands occupied. Last Christmas, my mum gave me a cross stitch kit for a bookmark featuring a blue wren, and l</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ast week I did it. I did it ALL. Even the sewing up. It was a cross stitch miracle! I love it so much. The blue wren perched on a twig of heath is simple and perfect.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCglYKWv0rt2miUHmjROejT5VvogfNVfZCJgEyWBlW4TRn7JYsVasRihq2iL4LKzi74QnikO4skVO6Rd_CfGWOrhN1SRMW4rvLRKovYx_zrS7Ffp2o4mtm0tknpEgUO-lS09AAbFHum0x7/s1600/Blue+Wren+Bookmank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCglYKWv0rt2miUHmjROejT5VvogfNVfZCJgEyWBlW4TRn7JYsVasRihq2iL4LKzi74QnikO4skVO6Rd_CfGWOrhN1SRMW4rvLRKovYx_zrS7Ffp2o4mtm0tknpEgUO-lS09AAbFHum0x7/s400/Blue+Wren+Bookmank.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I shared it on facebook, because I am a sharing, caring show-off. (That is why I have a blog!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days later I found two more unfinished bookmarks. All the cross stitching was completed, but the sewing up needed to be done. Another miracle took place as I finished them both that very day. Ah-mazing! </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebZ-OFSgfPQ/UkqyViNu0OI/AAAAAAAABWQ/XC2ZigSRdts/s1600/Noahs+Ark+Bookmark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebZ-OFSgfPQ/UkqyViNu0OI/AAAAAAAABWQ/XC2ZigSRdts/s400/Noahs+Ark+Bookmark.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I now have a cross stitch bookmark collection! And a very messy floor from all that fringe-making!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I actually nearly completely ruined the one with all the pink and yellow and orange flowers. I also don't really remember making it! I think my sister may have done most of it and I finished it. I really like the material I backed it with, a vintage fabric that was passed on to me by a friend. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1HzJ2sFZNU/UkqrPZVlywI/AAAAAAAABV0/R5dqibsgJKQ/s1600/flower+bookmark+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1HzJ2sFZNU/UkqrPZVlywI/AAAAAAAABV0/R5dqibsgJKQ/s400/flower+bookmark+back.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Only this bookmark was finished like this, the other two were sewn like a tube then turned right way out and given a fringe (much easier!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am feeling so inspired now to do more cross stitch! I have another kit, with lambs and butterflies and flowers, and a kit for a REAL embroidery that uses all sorts of stitches!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I want to know, do you cross stitch? Do you remember learning? Have you recently shared a crafty project on your blog - I love craft and I want to see it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a></span>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-7225576787843748292013-05-03T16:58:00.001+10:002013-05-03T16:59:45.457+10:00Mystery of the Missing Photos<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have just realised that quite a few of my older posts are missing photographs. Instead there are big white rectangles with a tiny image of a teeny tiny picture with the corner broken off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The pictures are broken.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Imagine it... a big white space...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then me writing something like "Isn't that picture gorgeous! I love it!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Something is missing... and it may take some time to fix. I apologise to visitors and regular readers for the unprettyness.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-42243078120478352502013-02-14T14:00:00.000+11:002013-02-14T14:05:21.390+11:00Time Flies<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(A Google image search for 'time flies' brings up some really <a href="https://www.google.com.au/search?q=time+flies+clock&hl=en&tbo=u&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=CUwcUf7MIYvLmgWdm4H4DA&ved=0CDIQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=925">cool clocks</a>.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Valentine's Day already? This year is going so quickly - it is a little scary, actually.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At the moment, my husband and I are living in a caravan in my parent's front yard. It isn't as bad as it sounds. We have been here a month already, and it is actually going really well. We take turns cooking (based on who is busy and who feels like cooking), and we all help out with things like the dishes and the laundry. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think it is sometimes a bit scary for Julian, living with his in-laws, as he keeps seeing them do all sorts of things that I do a lot. Mind you, he does things like this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hahahahaha! I love it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mind you, I don't think it compares with my 80's hair and make-up:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So yes... back to what I was talking about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year is a bit weird. We have no house, we are not planning on looking for one, and we are fine with that. We think we will be in the caravan until approximately the start of May, by which time we will no doubt be very happy to leave as autumns are not particularly warm here in Tasmania.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Speaking of Tasmania, the other day I saw it referred to as a country of its own (it is, in reality a state of Australia) and it was spelt 'Tazmania'. It was pretty funny. And disturbing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am going to do some knitting and eat the chocolates my husband gave me. It seems he likes me 'cuddly'. At least I can rest in peace knowing millions of other women are also eating chocolate today - or are you strong enough to resist? ;)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></span></a>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-18359047492210628002012-12-10T21:15:00.000+11:002013-10-09T17:34:10.042+11:00Kill the Spam Monster<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ah my poor neglected blog! The spam monster has been chomping away at it, leaving a massive amount of wildly hilarious and off-topic comments. Unfortunately this means that I have needed to change my settings so that comments now have word verification. Boohoo. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Below, a prime selection of some of my favourites (a mere handful selected from approximately 100 comments). Some are lovely and flattering. One, copied below, made me feel a little sad until I counted all the mistakes in the comment itself.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can certainly see your skills within the article you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren't afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart. my website :: borkum riff </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Definitely believe that which you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they plainly don't know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks Here is my homepage ... amber leaf</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This design is incredible! You obviously know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost...HaHa!) Excellent job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool! Here is my blog - youtube.Com</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And one which is totally ridiculous:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">I think that everything posted made a great deal of sense. But, what about this? what if you wrote a catchier title? I ain't suggesting your content is not solid., however suppose you added a title that makes people want more? I mean "Spring Blossoms - Free Crochet Pattern!" is kinda plain. You ought to peek at Yahoo's front page and watch how they create news headlines to grab people to open the links. You might try adding a video or a picture or two to get readers interested about what you've got to say. In my opinion, it would make your posts a little bit more interesting. My site - Har Vokse Review on </span><a href="http://abeautifulramble.blogspot.com/2010/04/spring-blossoms-free-crochet-pattern.html" style="border: 0px; color: #1155cc; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Spring Blossoms - Free Crochet Pattern!</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In other news, sorry I have been so absent. I know some people who have left comments and I have not replied yet (I could not find them in among the jungle of spam).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My husband and I have been walking through a rather painful time, and I have not had the energy to keep up the blog. Also, for the last month we have been travelling around Tasmania in a hatchback car and a three person tent. Fun times!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once we are in a real house again I am going to try to do some update-y posts and so on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In case I am unable to get back here in the next few weeks, I hope you all have a wonderful and joyful Christmas and New Year!</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-22754920347592093372012-05-07T11:12:00.000+10:002012-05-07T11:12:09.897+10:00Working Girl<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, it's been quite a while since writing a post! This post is remedying that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First things first, my camera and this computer do not like each other, so no photos sorry. :(</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have been fairly busy working (YAAAAAAY!!!) this year. Since the start of the school year I've worked about 20 days... oh wait, just checked my diary (now I'm grown up I have a diary) and I've worked exactly 20 days. Though two of those were half days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So far, I have worked in four schools (one public, the rest private Christian schools) and I have taught each grade from kindergarten to grade 10 at least once. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have taught high-school maths, SOSE, Indonesian (a language I do NOT speak), MDT (Metal, Design and Technology) and Music (I do not play an instrument). Considering I am Primary-trained it's a fun ride!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've had several early morning call ins (6:30-7am) but I've been blessed that a lot of the relief work has been pre-organised to cover things like paternity leave, camps and Professional Development (PD) days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have definitely started to notice an improvement in myself as a teacher: my behaviour management has improved, which makes a HUGE amount of difference. I also have far more resources now than at the start of the year and many more teaching ideas up my sleeve, which has improved my ability to quickly plan and implement lessons and cohesive teaching for one or more days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All in all, I'm happy with how this year is going. I also appreciate weekends and public holidays about a 100 times more than I used to!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-44328019340697246012012-03-24T15:47:00.003+11:002012-03-24T15:47:54.561+11:00Attention Facebook-ers!<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Finally the boredness (that's a noun) resulting from not wanting to clean or cook has resulted in me creating a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ABeautifulRamble">facebook page for A Beautiful Ramble</a>! (Hip Hip Hooray!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're on facebook, please like it... there will be a giveaway when we reach 50 likes! (Don't ask me what the giveaway will actually be... but it will be good!)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-7449333509541689392012-03-20T14:08:00.001+11:002012-03-20T14:10:17.227+11:00Abalone and Flowers (a crafty update)<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At last, I have been able to upload photos! YAY! I really need to find the software for my camera so I can use the desktop for photo-related-stuff. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've just realised how long it's been since I've done a knitting/crochet update post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, the latest thing off the needles is this beauty (excuse my dirty mirror), <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kathykoo/abalone">Abalone</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/97113584/Abalone__4__medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/97113584/Abalone__4__medium2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have worn it out, and was even complimented, which is always nice. It's like wearing a big cuddle. I love how soft it is.</span><br />
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<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/97112590/Blind_Pull_Thing__1__medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/97112590/Blind_Pull_Thing__1__medium2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These flowers were a little 30min project: a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kathykoo/spring-blossoms-3">blind-pull</a> for my parent's new house. The flowers were made using my <a href="http://abeautifulramble.blogspot.com.au/2010/04/spring-blossoms-free-crochet-pattern.html">Spring Blossoms</a> pattern.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And those are the projects this post's title was referring to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Below are some more of my recent projects, for your viewing pleasure (and my showing pleasure) - which do you like most? </span><br />
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<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/91388712/Birthday_Slippers__4__medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/91388712/Birthday_Slippers__4__medium2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Slippers for my mother-in-law, a birthday present, made using my own <a href="http://abeautifulramble.blogspot.com.au/2011/09/crochet-slippers-free-crochet-pattern.html">pattern</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/89996129/cotton_doily_thing__4__medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/89996129/cotton_doily_thing__4__medium2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/89995646/cotton_doily_thing__3__medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/89995646/cotton_doily_thing__3__medium2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kathykoo/cotton-doily-thing">doily</a>, made up as I went along, now living under my fruit bowl.</span><br />
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<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/83734702/green_angel__1__medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/83734702/green_angel__1__medium2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">An </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kathykoo/quick-and-easy-christmas-ornament" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">angel</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (you can just see the gold wings).</span><br />
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<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/83735348/Strawberry_Keyring__2__medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/83735348/Strawberry_Keyring__2__medium2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kathykoo/crocheted-strawberry">strawberry keyring</a>, a present for a friend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And lastly, two <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kathykoo/american-girl-doll-crochet-summer-dress">dolls</a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kathykoo/american-girl-doll-crochet-summer-dress-2">dresses</a>, one in lilac and one in cream.</span><br />
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<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/82205511/lilac_summer_dress__1__medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/82205511/lilac_summer_dress__1__medium2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/87627438/cream_doll_dress__2__medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/87627438/cream_doll_dress__2__medium2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(This picture was taken in a hurry!)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/82213794/lilac_summer_dress__8__medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/82213794/lilac_summer_dress__8__medium2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There's something so inspiring about looking at what you have made. I've been working on a few other projects for a while now, hopefully it won't be too long before I can share more finished things with you (such as an incredible stripy scarf!).</span><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></span></a>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-55515385832550425412012-03-18T21:14:00.000+11:002013-10-09T17:47:31.763+11:00Fibonacci Blogging<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This post is a testament to my strangeness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The other day, while in the shower, I realised that I've been so slack with blogging this year that I've only done one post per month so far. I thought, <i>Hey, that's sort of interesting! I should blog about it! </i>Only, straight away I realised that posting about it would ruin - utterly devastate! - my blogging pattern. BUT THEN!! I remembered the Fibonacci Sequence! You know the one:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34... and so on.</span></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The pattern is formed by adding two numbers together to find the next number (i.e 1+1=2).</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.passyworld.com/passyImagesThree/FibHand540x351.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://www.passyworld.com/passyImagesThree/FibHand540x351.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Totally worth <a href="http://passyworldofmathematics.wordpress.com/2011/07/26/fibonacci-sequence-in-music/">clicking through to see the whole post</a> this image is from.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Immediately, I'm thinking how cool it would be to blog this year according to this sequence (oh dear... nerdy me is emerging!) and I started adding up numbers to figure out how much I'd have to blog each month. As you've probably realised already , once you get to the ninth month (as I skipped the zero), that starts getting a bit ridiculous! THIRTY-FOUR posts in ONE MONTH? Yeah, that's not gonna happen!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So yeah... normal, sporadic blogging will randomly continue in this part of the world wide web... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But to make up for that, here's a link to <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#query=fibonacci&availability=free&sort=best&view=captioned_thumbs">free Fibonacci-inspired patterns</a> (knitting and crochet) (you have be a member of Ravelry to be able to see them).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also!!!! I've finally uploaded pics of my last couple of knitting/crochet projects so my next post WILL be about that. Full stop.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-35550604683417383512012-03-14T20:12:00.001+11:002012-03-14T22:53:07.612+11:00It's been a while...<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hello!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thought I should finally post something, seeing as it's been well over a month since my last post. (I don't think I'll ever quite succeed at this blogging game.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some catch-up:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- This year is going way too fast!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- I'm behind on my 'finish crochet/knit 52 projects in 2012' challenge</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- I'm on track with my 'read 50 books in 2012' challenge (are you on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a>? Friend me!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And most importantly of all, <b>I'VE HAD WORK</b>! Seven days to be precise! Relief teaching is at once more fun and infinitely more challenging than I ever could have imagined. I've already semi-lost my voice (happily now recovered). I haven't got any more days lined up the moment, so I'm enjoying my time off while I have it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also, the new Sherlock Holmes series is quite good - I am very pleased! And I've started reading Charles Dicken's <i>Great Expectations</i> (because I saw the first episode of it on <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/iview/">iview</a> the other night) and I like the book but the writing is so old fashioned I sort of feel like I'm reading by "squinting". Do you ever read like that? Where you sort of just read and let the writing wash over you so you get the general impression, and not letting yourself get caught up in the old-fashioned language and writing. It makes it a whole lot easier. I have just reached "The End Of The First Stage Of Pip's Expectations".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lastly, I still need to either commandeer Julian's laptop or install the camera software on the desktop... until then photos are stuck on my camera. When I finally do either of those two things, I'll finally be able to do a crochet/knitting update post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Until then!</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-6618526877987950652012-02-01T17:13:00.000+11:002012-02-01T17:15:26.949+11:00Pinch and a Punch<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
... for the first of the month!</div>
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As you can see, blogging is high in my priorities this year. *Ahem*</div>
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January passed quicky and smoothly, for the most part. My husband is still limping from hurting his knee about three weeks ago. It appears that his cartilage is damaged, and according to his medical certificate there should be "considerable improvement" in approximately two years. "Rest" is prescribed. Needless to say, I'm being much nicer to him, mostly because when he walks it looks so painful it makes my knees start to ache.</div>
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In other (and much nicer) news, my teacher's registration was approved VERY quickly (in less than a third of the time it usually makes) and now I can legally teach primary school in Tasmania. I am extremely happy! Private schools go back on Febuary 9, and public schools on the 15th, so it won't be long until I have relief work. </div>
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Looking at my photos, it appears that January has mostly involved taking photos of Bumblebees and flowers... here are some of my favourites.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOigsBls_ZpGdlv8ucACt1lNWVMfJ3AtY8NH2P-0ZbjhLw50GCS_SIRnBEn8tOopS44F34fBiGpJlBjeYhfQvX9_Dt2buv3jTNYgEiYfy46063C2ne2jedLRsRVTb1mVy7oqiTmaoLb0l/s1600/garden+%252817%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOigsBls_ZpGdlv8ucACt1lNWVMfJ3AtY8NH2P-0ZbjhLw50GCS_SIRnBEn8tOopS44F34fBiGpJlBjeYhfQvX9_Dt2buv3jTNYgEiYfy46063C2ne2jedLRsRVTb1mVy7oqiTmaoLb0l/s400/garden+%252817%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA8F_D3jNDd_2VwurO17YTga7Zum1A_9IHXmljfDZj0aGI2yZgOcjINYNYP0JlqouD7OmiokaCS1WiHyULxDlgMbWDCPFc3McUJHSXu3XWf0J3Eb6H9eghMwbN6iurYKjvz8C2AcLOErp/s1600/garden+%252816%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA8F_D3jNDd_2VwurO17YTga7Zum1A_9IHXmljfDZj0aGI2yZgOcjINYNYP0JlqouD7OmiokaCS1WiHyULxDlgMbWDCPFc3McUJHSXu3XWf0J3Eb6H9eghMwbN6iurYKjvz8C2AcLOErp/s320/garden+%252816%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjAgsuBKGqo7OJ-UPoCpW-N1CAjUTsHuUCjKlteQC4OCWixHrrYQNCOLR2J7tjQcYwuL356or-tVoUfUutDMIqtlT-zlINUcj5Vn0qLSjBb0xOKf7dn8CwC6Y7qkuzartTO6AONvFb-a1/s1600/garden+%252820%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjAgsuBKGqo7OJ-UPoCpW-N1CAjUTsHuUCjKlteQC4OCWixHrrYQNCOLR2J7tjQcYwuL356or-tVoUfUutDMIqtlT-zlINUcj5Vn0qLSjBb0xOKf7dn8CwC6Y7qkuzartTO6AONvFb-a1/s320/garden+%252820%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hrWaVpK0hlCs7Wnz3yOWlcSwUs4ksyOUUIbaXG45Y0Ja-phvvLzBHYAzNmFlpp8cosBehyphenhyphenLmGfqd58KnM2b0G9KOKcviWLRrnHGVAr97_E-epvInQ-VfgWA_PeFdMDFGfqSDYjpgIGmm/s1600/garden+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hrWaVpK0hlCs7Wnz3yOWlcSwUs4ksyOUUIbaXG45Y0Ja-phvvLzBHYAzNmFlpp8cosBehyphenhyphenLmGfqd58KnM2b0G9KOKcviWLRrnHGVAr97_E-epvInQ-VfgWA_PeFdMDFGfqSDYjpgIGmm/s320/garden+%25286%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next post, I'm hoping to show you some of the stuff I've made this year... until then!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-90491881080780881802012-01-08T18:01:00.000+11:002012-01-08T18:01:19.431+11:00Happy (Belated) New Year!<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
I'm a bit late to the party, I know, but I really must wish you all a happy and fulfilling 2012! </div>
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This year has already been busy, though also very relaxed. We were away camping with friends from the 31st of December to the 3rd of January, and I feel like I've only just settled back in at home (probably because I've been on an uncharacteristc cleaning and organising splurge!).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNW4kQ01MRqZOZ7O4LqZLZ9IYLC7qiXXja9AEPuLVE9cw2PZwEAcG5TkSG96vUabfK2SWEHNR_ZXUq_bzwmEfcDWlZ5fWhBer5amdDdAcuE6SiAx0MNw9hX54cYTu7ORt1jTKYpY-B8ET/s1600/Gunns+Plains+Camping+Trip+with+the+Gee+Family+%252853%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNW4kQ01MRqZOZ7O4LqZLZ9IYLC7qiXXja9AEPuLVE9cw2PZwEAcG5TkSG96vUabfK2SWEHNR_ZXUq_bzwmEfcDWlZ5fWhBer5amdDdAcuE6SiAx0MNw9hX54cYTu7ORt1jTKYpY-B8ET/s400/Gunns+Plains+Camping+Trip+with+the+Gee+Family+%252853%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful Gunns Plains, where we camped.</td></tr>
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Now, I didn't even think of making any resolutions until a couple of days ago, but (truth be told) I don't usually make them anyway, because I don't like setting myself up to fail. So instead of listing my resolutions, here's a list of some 2012 firsts! </div>
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<b>Firsts for 2012 so far:</b></div>
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- First celebration: My 26th birthday! </div>
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- First sunburn: Julian, though his wasn't as bad as mine, which I got the next day</div>
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- First bug photographed: Dragonfly - it flew past and landed right by me! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxjKMREIzLtDRK20tPxMJVU1kDMDuOfpb2CkC15KFTtdK_m5J4sEnOc6xVvcc74RlknzibJFPK3pCOVc50AL7btAXPBUlaLbcDahRdOS53S2dCPJIC5Umn2eKctF85uLXuG0rjLORKabN/s1600/Gunns+Plains+Camping+Trip+with+the+Gee+Family+%252823%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxjKMREIzLtDRK20tPxMJVU1kDMDuOfpb2CkC15KFTtdK_m5J4sEnOc6xVvcc74RlknzibJFPK3pCOVc50AL7btAXPBUlaLbcDahRdOS53S2dCPJIC5Umn2eKctF85uLXuG0rjLORKabN/s400/Gunns+Plains+Camping+Trip+with+the+Gee+Family+%252823%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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- First alcoholic beverage: merlot/baileys in milk (I was sort of alternating between them) </div>
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- First cooked meal: Eggs and bacon for a camping breakfast</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YeJTvnI8znZ-Mpz1d3Ky64lhE9cH4js8A4Lm9Y6a7TeiICqPGa4U2Iqh5wbLEusTlXCMHGgAKRnbEz5TgOZ2v4Hpbbb6PwO6OXTqOHUtcvOd89Guh3KxLt_4lBZuobk_9jXXY0Dr_Mri/s1600/Gunns+Plains+Camping+Trip+with+the+Gee+Family+%252838%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YeJTvnI8znZ-Mpz1d3Ky64lhE9cH4js8A4Lm9Y6a7TeiICqPGa4U2Iqh5wbLEusTlXCMHGgAKRnbEz5TgOZ2v4Hpbbb6PwO6OXTqOHUtcvOd89Guh3KxLt_4lBZuobk_9jXXY0Dr_Mri/s400/Gunns+Plains+Camping+Trip+with+the+Gee+Family+%252838%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bacon clothesline!</td></tr>
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- First crochet project started: Tiny Whale, pattern courtesy of <a href="http://www.planetjune.com/blog/free-crochet-patterns/tiny-whale/">PlanetJune</a>.</div>
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- Books: first finished = Princess Charming; first started = A Woman's Place</div>
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- First movie session: Alvin and the Chipmunks 3: Chipwrecked, followed by Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (this was rather fantastic!) </div>
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- First in-joke: POPPIES!!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6DCovCAKw7n1vF6KI9HJyR3TZE1N2uwB90htdlrA3Gq_UPr2qpLEmdD6aVvpbJWcGZ3FFCm-fHTUeq9MKqkoskO74bAwLggLLZ97-Env0PGhjEZ66JhA7PNpDjbC7N0Ei0ePnkg3hoHQ/s1600/Gunns+Plains+Camping+Trip+with+the+Gee+Family+%252874%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6DCovCAKw7n1vF6KI9HJyR3TZE1N2uwB90htdlrA3Gq_UPr2qpLEmdD6aVvpbJWcGZ3FFCm-fHTUeq9MKqkoskO74bAwLggLLZ97-Env0PGhjEZ66JhA7PNpDjbC7N0Ei0ePnkg3hoHQ/s400/Gunns+Plains+Camping+Trip+with+the+Gee+Family+%252874%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the opium kind - Tasmania is a huge exporter of these.</td></tr>
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<b>Records in 2012:</b></div>
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- I've worn a skirt everyday this year! My legs are looking a bit wonderful :D</div>
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- Rose early every morning while camping: 7am, 5am (!), 8am (this is later as we were exhausted from the early start the day before... air mattresses with leaks are NOT fun).</div>
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- Went as far along the north-west coast of Tasmania that I've ever been: Table Cape. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdG06Y6Qzl7Phh1BWl-pkcw8qBqVbHZHna-HYP9BZ55imP6lT-DLJFAIXx20b5BOzme85KfE-vofQwPH5hqaeiw6gNSCY8IrY0XCr2fUkqr5UcHT6oWZaW1uGToORe4o8-4NxgBjCVlaoy/s1600/Gunns+Plains+Camping+Trip+with+the+Gee+Family+%252895%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdG06Y6Qzl7Phh1BWl-pkcw8qBqVbHZHna-HYP9BZ55imP6lT-DLJFAIXx20b5BOzme85KfE-vofQwPH5hqaeiw6gNSCY8IrY0XCr2fUkqr5UcHT6oWZaW1uGToORe4o8-4NxgBjCVlaoy/s400/Gunns+Plains+Camping+Trip+with+the+Gee+Family+%252895%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table Cape Lighthouse</td></tr>
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<b>Stuff that has excited me so far:</b></div>
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- Swam in the same river my dad learnt to swim in (the Leven River, north Tasmania).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKC0mSFDIKMeiNpxBAqYDop1rr9u2pghrMfocSvgqaIlAAwZFIbvxWhwEpSQ-v3-lTe4TUnHA0nyxKnMpINefQvx5V-wTwFVYcj05iJ8YbHpKfau-hpGP8eSqihJvZxqrAsNYxRJOcmzZ/s1600/Gunns+Plains+Camping+Trip+with+the+Gee+Family+%252831%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKC0mSFDIKMeiNpxBAqYDop1rr9u2pghrMfocSvgqaIlAAwZFIbvxWhwEpSQ-v3-lTe4TUnHA0nyxKnMpINefQvx5V-wTwFVYcj05iJ8YbHpKfau-hpGP8eSqihJvZxqrAsNYxRJOcmzZ/s400/Gunns+Plains+Camping+Trip+with+the+Gee+Family+%252831%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Leven River, my husband, and two children who are not ours (though I boss them around heaps!)</td></tr>
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- Visiting the Gunns Plains Caves (glow worms!)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvNAgcgNVRkqSZK40vWBWPD-PYou1SwG4T3JGbJ9TcAMw3_ha7xRA-BmGMqGsNMZIY_EMCKz9Kr9mscXHin5ld7JslstIz0vc-JhsoJw2VFBoNh57bnuspk2pvx6v-NAhzK2k87WT264w/s1600/Gunns+Plains+Camping+Trip+with+the+Gee+Family+%2528124%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvNAgcgNVRkqSZK40vWBWPD-PYou1SwG4T3JGbJ9TcAMw3_ha7xRA-BmGMqGsNMZIY_EMCKz9Kr9mscXHin5ld7JslstIz0vc-JhsoJw2VFBoNh57bnuspk2pvx6v-NAhzK2k87WT264w/s400/Gunns+Plains+Camping+Trip+with+the+Gee+Family+%2528124%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bacon" - very cool cave fomation, the colours are from minerals.</td></tr>
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<b>And, Oh! I've decided to list my (very general) resolutions for this year after all:</b></div>
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1. Work hard but don't strive;</div>
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2. Be restful and peaceful but not lazy; and, most importantly, </div>
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3. Do everything with diligence and a happy heart (give, work, serve, create and play with joy!) </div>
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<i>What are some of your firsts for 2012? What are some of your resolutions?</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-10265282719273289482011-12-24T13:26:00.000+11:002011-12-24T13:26:00.260+11:00Merry Christmas!<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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I think this just might be the most adorable retelling of the Christmas story ever.</div>
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Wishing all of my readers a wonderful and happy Christmas!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-38670958764137261412011-12-19T15:11:00.002+11:002011-12-19T15:11:25.967+11:00Snickerdoodles!<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
It's been, I think, about two weeks since I actually made these snickerdoodles. I took photos of them, however, and I don't want them to go to waste.</div>
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I've been wanting to make snickerdoodles for years and years, and so when I finally took the plunge the poor cookies had a lot to live up to.</div>
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Did they meet my expectations?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvxExp1ErK1rrT6r5BymBvBnSruAfaGZ_AOpt5qyZiQ4lj_OlhRvb-eX6lZ_oh688eyNxULRSjC7hHGoLoZJv1el_aA4to-BwWqCeM6gmzeMAGbVgQ3dya-CQZ7r4kDS9qgLD8cPGVUVx/s1600/Snickerdoodles+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvxExp1ErK1rrT6r5BymBvBnSruAfaGZ_AOpt5qyZiQ4lj_OlhRvb-eX6lZ_oh688eyNxULRSjC7hHGoLoZJv1el_aA4to-BwWqCeM6gmzeMAGbVgQ3dya-CQZ7r4kDS9qgLD8cPGVUVx/s400/Snickerdoodles+%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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YES! In more than one way, too.</div>
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They are delish, but they are also so easy to make. Best of all, they don't need any special ingredients. Perfect.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZB0qkvxdXw/Tu64bxMfXWI/AAAAAAAABO4/GLTUDbmYJZs/s1600/Snickerdoodles+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZB0qkvxdXw/Tu64bxMfXWI/AAAAAAAABO4/GLTUDbmYJZs/s400/Snickerdoodles+%25286%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used <a href="http://www.lovintheoven.com/2010/03/even-better-snickerdoodle.html">this snickerdoodle recipe</a>, but added a little cinnamon into the dough, too. I also cooked it as a slightly higher temperature (about 180C). This time, I cooked them perhaps a minute or two too long, because they should be moister and chewier than this, but they were still wonderful. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7D9MjQ4XKw/Tu64BDnEcLI/AAAAAAAABOw/ZGDV9je_6LM/s1600/Snickerdoodles+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7D9MjQ4XKw/Tu64BDnEcLI/AAAAAAAABOw/ZGDV9je_6LM/s400/Snickerdoodles+%25285%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is bleeding :(</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The dough is like heaven, too! Ah! Couldn't stop eating it!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-38564482598718842762011-12-08T19:14:00.001+11:002013-10-09T17:45:21.970+11:00Christmas has Landed<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So! Today was awesome!</span><br />
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I did some volunteering in a friend's classroom (which I've enjoyed so much) and that led to me getting to decorate a gingerbread house! I had to do it super quickly as it was almost lunch time (and the kids were using all the lollies I wanted!), but I think it's cute.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jml1mkLBBXzfEwF2h7oW6lK7S2SsfdpB9gKNe2virDTghDfy6PkzF3IabDR5aHy8JOZjATixHttg_nG4GLfumyPbb-t0N7rECXAE2E8JDM06FICDvmumvLUbkhAIwjJMs5tJW9yllFKS/s1600/Gingerbread+House+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jml1mkLBBXzfEwF2h7oW6lK7S2SsfdpB9gKNe2virDTghDfy6PkzF3IabDR5aHy8JOZjATixHttg_nG4GLfumyPbb-t0N7rECXAE2E8JDM06FICDvmumvLUbkhAIwjJMs5tJW9yllFKS/s400/Gingerbread+House+%25286%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDV0nrtT7H0/TuB87MSbcrI/AAAAAAAABNw/aq0NRVhdzyM/s1600/Gingerbread+House+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDV0nrtT7H0/TuB87MSbcrI/AAAAAAAABNw/aq0NRVhdzyM/s400/Gingerbread+House+%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's the door - notice the two hinges!</td></tr>
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After supervising several groups of children, I knew that for a gingerbread house to be successful (and look extremely tempting) a huge amound of icing is crucial! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bird's eye view.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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After volunteering (I was only there from 9 until 1), my husband and I went to Mitre10 (a hardware store) to find a real, live, prickly, conical and cute Christmas tree. I love the one we chose - a White Spruce, still very much a baby. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaIsVkQAIOjW_kK-Blqv_-KsbqOVkwFOTmB00eoD5Yx-mMQfYkGNtmrj_ih2GvYEr3nkr04HIgs1fHtOwrnfMxcqn93EKFiqqlG_eKyxi0e5X0hs78KG1ETQl5Zm0HwF-2gnER-pQGCVq/s1600/Christmas+Decorations+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaIsVkQAIOjW_kK-Blqv_-KsbqOVkwFOTmB00eoD5Yx-mMQfYkGNtmrj_ih2GvYEr3nkr04HIgs1fHtOwrnfMxcqn93EKFiqqlG_eKyxi0e5X0hs78KG1ETQl5Zm0HwF-2gnER-pQGCVq/s400/Christmas+Decorations+%25285%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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It's decorated with bells (red and while), angels with glitterly wings, and a starry garland. We think it's too small for the lights, though I may add them. It would be nice to have it lit up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVAbAkSzmf2peWtbiDy9jKDr42dnn-kWC0tIkN1jM5AUiScHpHQT_1FEh9h9YpwFOyPy__qA_3hVtWK849-Kklh8Xfxs6xIHVWNLPs_nE8E-9F5z3NJC14R0-BXQboz4Lkv5Pl9eMR0LY/s1600/Christmas+Decorations+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVAbAkSzmf2peWtbiDy9jKDr42dnn-kWC0tIkN1jM5AUiScHpHQT_1FEh9h9YpwFOyPy__qA_3hVtWK849-Kklh8Xfxs6xIHVWNLPs_nE8E-9F5z3NJC14R0-BXQboz4Lkv5Pl9eMR0LY/s400/Christmas+Decorations+%25286%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I also wrapped a silver and red ribbon around the pot, to make it look a little nicer.</div>
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As we now had a Christmas tree, it meant that decorating could happen, and now the house is decked out. </div>
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I'm pleasantly surprised at how many times I've already posted this month, I half expected to get to Christmas and realise I hadn't posted at all!</div>
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I'm planning on being back soon to share about my snickerdoodle making venture and the recipe for the yule log I plan to make for boxing day! </div>
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<i><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></i></div>
Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-72207646582340031042011-12-03T14:10:00.000+11:002013-05-03T16:49:26.829+10:00Wedding Anniversary Number Six!<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
I've been looking at wedding photos for the last few days (preparing to finally get them printed!) and so now it is finally my wedding anniversary and I'm so excited!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSs3CmQbKktMc5BDK_aRFy1KhfsHGqFbD0WDM07nc2mvMf6vu_SPhE1YHI8JfCNigHyatARNejEj5kFdQM4SWeiLu3Qkvq0vxRcMjooe5qNqIVEiFtnwJLw4Z3Ekn2ADbpB4CEwvqSq6BA/s1600/wedding+pics+by+Meik+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSs3CmQbKktMc5BDK_aRFy1KhfsHGqFbD0WDM07nc2mvMf6vu_SPhE1YHI8JfCNigHyatARNejEj5kFdQM4SWeiLu3Qkvq0vxRcMjooe5qNqIVEiFtnwJLw4Z3Ekn2ADbpB4CEwvqSq6BA/s400/wedding+pics+by+Meik+%25285%2529.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Tonight we are going out for dinner and then a movie - nice and relaxed, just like our wedding day was! I can't wait! Wood fired pizza, here I come!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Also, honey, if you finally catch up on reading my blog, the last six years have been wonderful, and I'm looking forward to the next 60! </span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-29536564843079793652011-12-01T21:32:00.001+11:002011-12-01T21:53:14.682+11:00Summer is Here! Hence the Rain!<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
In typical Tasmanian fashion the first day of December - and of summer - was cold and drizzly. Not that I'm complaining, becuase I LoVe this sort of weather! But it would be nice to have warm toes!</div>
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The "Christmas Month" has started off slowly. Today I did the dishes and some present making, and that's pretty much it. The yarn for one of my husband's presents (a beanie) arrived today, which is a relief - I was starting to get concerned I'd run out of time to make it.</div>
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I've been thinking about trying to post every day in the lead up to Christmas, but I'm not going to be too strict on myself. I will try to post every other day though. Be forewarned: it will mostly be crochet and food and house rearranging and decorating. </div>
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And because I don't want a pictureless post, here are some snapshots of a sunshower we had just the other week: </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjS647Dm-FE/TtdaP4KDTNI/AAAAAAAABMo/dfbeWGctsac/s1600/sun+shower+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjS647Dm-FE/TtdaP4KDTNI/AAAAAAAABMo/dfbeWGctsac/s400/sun+shower+%25281%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I love how the rays of sunlight are visible, there's something so magical about it.</div>
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See you back here soon!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-81311779786725845382011-11-26T17:52:00.000+11:002011-11-26T17:52:34.337+11:00Pears and Roses<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Hello! </div>
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As you can see from all the posts, the 21 day organising challenge is going great! Okay... so maybe not. Somethings are more exciting than organising (though don't get me wrong - I love to organise stuff!).</div>
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Instead of organising I've been busy crocheting like the wind!</div>
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A while back I decided it would be awesome if I managed to reach 150 finished objects (FOs) on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> by then end of 2011. In the last week alone I've finished a total of seven projects, which means I've only got 15 to go!</div>
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Totally reachable!</div>
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Here are some of the things I've been making. Each of these projects were for a Kris Kringle gift.</div>
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A tiny pear keyring.</div>
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A pear pincushion. This was the first time I've used two colours simultaneously while crocheting. I love the result! Inside are a couple of metal scourers. Apparently they help keep pins sharp.</div>
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<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/82204190/pear_pincushion__2__medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/82204190/pear_pincushion__2__medium2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is what it looks like on the inside:</div>
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<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/82205112/pear_pincushion__5__medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/82205112/pear_pincushion__5__medium2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A rose brooch - I was very gratified when the recipient pinned it on immediately!</div>
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<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/82202814/deco_rose_brooch__2__medium2_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kathykoo/82202814/deco_rose_brooch__2__medium2_medium.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now I just want to make dozens of tiny pears and rose brooches!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4966264944271851690.post-88953120447058745042011-11-11T18:16:00.001+11:002011-11-11T18:48:26.566+11:00Remembering and Rainbows<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Originally, this post was just going to be about a rainbow badge I made for my niece, whose birthday is today (she's currently into rainbows), but I also want to say something to acknowledge all the courageous men and women who have fought to keep Australia free. </div>
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Thinking about these two things, the rainbow and Rememberence Day, I realised that there is a connection - for me at least. For me, the rainbow is all about <i>remembering</i>. When I see a rainbow, it reminds me of God. I'm filled with joy and thankfulness that my God is faithful and trustworthy. I can honestly say that God has never disappointed me. He has made even the hard and difficult parts of my life into something beautiful.</div>
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This post is getting much deeper than I intended!</div>
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Here is the rainbow badge I made for my neice:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EGmxmEHj24ZNOoudBcXH0r7QTE69Xd9frTrQwnyDBvV6bHvcnZAc3O5xKNMRJBIrdtnzJqRwWFcsB2XIQAA0td4Ycqkol-Ak94A1T1X8t-Hq2ZeYyH9BzhYXdWyCVCFcL11V_-1is_UG/s1600/Rainbow+Badge+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EGmxmEHj24ZNOoudBcXH0r7QTE69Xd9frTrQwnyDBvV6bHvcnZAc3O5xKNMRJBIrdtnzJqRwWFcsB2XIQAA0td4Ycqkol-Ak94A1T1X8t-Hq2ZeYyH9BzhYXdWyCVCFcL11V_-1is_UG/s400/Rainbow+Badge+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To make it, this is what I did:</div>
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<li>I crocheted a flat disk (sc), using the usual increased (6, 12, 18,
etc) until it was 36st around, then did a round of slst (blo), doing an
extra ch in each of the six corners.</li>
<li>I then embroidered the rainbow on, using chain stitch and some running stich, and I used the yellow to sc around the outside.</li>
<li>I then sewed a piece of felt onto the back, and sewed on a brooch pin.</li>
<li>To flatten it, I boiled the jug, held the badge in the steam (being careful not to burn myself!) and then pressed it flat.</li>
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Here's the back, all nice a neat with a bit of felt covering all the mess! I really enjoyed doing some handsewing again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLx7sQjwz0i9FUi4dhiixcBdNxig2TYtSPO-IRyqgJTMKKJV_hwtiNq1FG_Ecb06xKO7OEgf_fzG0YNcyWdFhFRDAKFsAl77iCoMPWSWRPIFqZhiV6I6pXaiXW8aFF60fCHWmleOVogQzl/s1600/Rainbow+Badge+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLx7sQjwz0i9FUi4dhiixcBdNxig2TYtSPO-IRyqgJTMKKJV_hwtiNq1FG_Ecb06xKO7OEgf_fzG0YNcyWdFhFRDAKFsAl77iCoMPWSWRPIFqZhiV6I6pXaiXW8aFF60fCHWmleOVogQzl/s400/Rainbow+Badge+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To give it to her, I am planning on putting it in this little bag. I think she'll love it! I hope so!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYis3pn2g8XghTnTkA5l2Vk90n3zP_ffeLAPOL8XmXK8rxLVuQjmqe8u3BqqZqzO9jnZbsfJjDEUO_ONOtCe1P4uU4vdXfoZIXjsqBiNe_kyIHsesaodhmsMuZOecYNuHkREMTdUS928pY/s1600/Rainbow+Badge+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYis3pn2g8XghTnTkA5l2Vk90n3zP_ffeLAPOL8XmXK8rxLVuQjmqe8u3BqqZqzO9jnZbsfJjDEUO_ONOtCe1P4uU4vdXfoZIXjsqBiNe_kyIHsesaodhmsMuZOecYNuHkREMTdUS928pY/s400/Rainbow+Badge+%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And now to the Rememberence Day part of the post...</div>
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Several men from my family have been in the army, including my father in Vietnam, my maternal grandfather in WWII (I think - he was stationed in Darwin), and my great uncles in WW1, one of whom died. The other was literally saved by the Bible in his breast pocket, which prevented shrapnel from wounding him. </div>
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I have seen the damage war does, even decades later, to those who give their time in service. I love my father, and I recognise that his service in Vietnam took it's toll emotionally, physically and mentally. It's is all due to God that my father and our family is as whole and healed as we are. I count myself blessed when I see how other veterans and their families are still suffering in a very real way.</div>
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I honour these men, and I pray that my brothers, my husband, and my future children will not to bear the burden they did. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/310/DDEB6839DB53DE22F8480AC508B57576.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584871185580283996noreply@blogger.com0