The garden is on the verge of exploding with ripe vegetables. We’ve had a few cucumbers, zucchinis, and tomatoes, and we are bracing our selves to be inundated in the next few weeks. I’m looking to get a food mill so that it is easier to make tomato passata, and we have stocked up on salt, vinegar, sugar, and spices so that we are ready to make preserves, jams and chutneys.
We had a fire near us on Wednesday. It probably started because some one threw a cigarette butt out of a car window. It never ceases to amaze me that people are so stupid, or selfish. The two way radio has been a buzz as the locals pull together to fight the fire. For the next few days they also need to keep an eye on the fire ground for a few days to make sure that any embers don’t start up again.
My goodness it has been hot lately. It’s a bit of an Ăłh der’ statement, but we have been spending the majority of each day inside with our ancient air conditioner taking the edge off the heat. We have been watching movies, and reading The Hobbit, and doing craft to keep ourselves entertained. I’ve promised the girls that they can watch the first Harry Potter movie this weekend. We have been having sandwiches for dinner in front of the tv because I cannot be asked to cook in the heat, and our back veranda where we normally eat is like an oven. It’s going to be a rude shock when we have to head back to school in a week.
This article came through my facebook feed. I know I return to the theme often, but I’m just blown away by the constant message that society sends to little girls; that their worth is tied up in how pretty, and sexy they are. Country Boy and I have made a concious decision to avoid these types of toys and games, but they are everywhere. I’m equally concerned about what these messages do to little boys. I want Toby to grow up to value for women for qualities other than how sexy they are. I want all my kids to grow up to value themselves and others regardless of their looks. Sometimes parenting just seems impossibly hard, and I resent that society doesn’t make it any easier!
Over the summer I’ve been tweaking my blog. I’ve rewritten my ‘About Me’ page, and added some more answers to my FAQ page. I’ve also been having fun with Adobe Lightroom, learning how to process my photos better (I had been using picassa which is free, but I finally bit the bullet – and wish I had done it a year ago!). My sister who lives in SE Asia is good with watercolour paintings. I asked her ages ago to have a go at painting me a banner, but it took me until December before I finally got it together for the blog. I have the originals, and think I might frame them. I’d love some feed back on the changes I’ve made. What do you think? Please, be honest with me 🙂
Ive been away for a while and was pleasantly surprised to see the facelift of your blog. I think it looks great. Looking fwd to seeing all the preserving, cooking, relishing etc. coming up on the blog.
I love your new banner – your sister must be very clever!
I'm also constantly struggling with the idea that girls are valued for their looks and their sexuality. It's getting so hard to fight the stereotype, especially when other people are buying gifts etc.