Taking Stock | May 2016

Well blink, and suddenly we are three weeks back into Term Two. On the farm, shearing happened without me even managing to get a photo in the shed. I guess that shows just how full life has been lately. I’m trying not to use the word “busy”. Over the weekend I did manage to grab the camera and go for a walk. The country side finally has a green tinge to it, and the trees are turning different colours and dropping their leaves. When I lived in Sydney, Summer was definitely my favourite season, but here on the farm I think I might be a convert to Autumn.

I love taking stock because it gives me a chance to think about all the little things that have been going on lately, so here goes:

Making: a crochet star garland.
Cooking: passionfruit curd, cranberry, apple and dark chocolate loaf, mushroom risotto (Toby’s favourite), quinces from the orchard. There’s always lots of cooking around here.
Drinking: lemon, lime, and bitters at the pub with my colleagues on Fridays after work.
Reading: Queen Bees and Wanna Be’s.
Wanting: a clean house (it’s always great to dream).
Looking: forward to the long weekend.
Playing: 80’s mixes to my students. I’m trying to broaden their education
Deciding: where to put the wood fired pizza oven (It’s still on the agenda for this winter).
Enjoying: holidaying on the South Coast.
Waiting: for the builder to give us a start date.
Liking: having lots of outdoor space for our kids to play. They spent the weekend riding their bikes around the paddocks with some secret plan that only they know and understanding. It’s so good to see them develop independence and resilience as they explore.
Wondering: what my next crochet project will be. I’m going for a blanket for Meg, but want to try a new pattern. Got any good suggestions?
Loving: a rainy week – the hills are finally looking green!

Pondering: the possibility of running workshops here on the farm one day – teaching people how to grow and cook their own food. (Wanna come along???)
Considering: going to the local markets next weekend.
Buying: Winter clothing for the kids, plus lots of other bits and pieces that have been on our list for a while. A weekend in Sydney always gets a lot of shopping knocked over quickly.
Watching: Hannah swim at the State swimming championships in Sydney last month. She and her team did her absolute best, and it was such a great experience for her. This is a pic of her on the blocks just before the start – I love it.

Hoping: for some more rain. We still need more.
Marveling: at how quickly the year is going by.
Cringing: at Trump.
Needing: a new ute for the farm.
Questioning: the federal government’s education policy. With an election coming up, Gonski funding is becoming more and more important to the future of Australia.
Smelling: smoke from the fire which is well and truly going in our house now.
Wearing: Layers – it’s cooling down quickly
Noticing: a wasp nest outside our back room as I type – need to get on to that!
Knowing: it’s going to get even cooler soon!

Thinking: about all the things I have on at work at the moment. It’s turning into a big year for me at work.
Admiring: Hannah as she gets her mind around going to High School next year. She is the only kid from her little primary school to the high school we have chosen (which incidentally is also our closest, and where I teach) , so it must be daunting to not really have a friend to go with. Also it might not be very fun to have your parent at your school all the time.
Sorting: paperwork. Always paperwork.
Getting: wood for the fire.
Bookmarking: crochet patterns on Pinterest.
Coveting: some winter boots for work.
Opening: mail.
Giggling: at Toby, who is both boisterous and cuddly. Five year old boys are gorgeous.
Feeling: tired.
Snacking: on pull apart bread.
Helping: my students get organised.
Hearing: podcasts on my way to work. I’m enjoying This Family Life by Nicole Avery of Planning With Kids.