Was it truly two months ago when we counting down the last few days till our trip? A lot of people asked did our trip go by fast. Thankfully it didn’t and in fact, it seems like we were gone a lot longer than 6 weeks . We did so much and saw so much that each day was almost like a weeks holiday.

Woke us this morning around 7am. I’m still finding it hard to get moving in the morning but the days are getting longer now and the sun is rising not long after 6am. Made myself a cup of tea. Funnily enough after all the lovely English teas I’m not enjoying my Daintree the way I used to . I also had a few of the choc chip cookies I made yesterday and played on the computer.

I ended up buying a few classes from Big Picture Scrapbooking.

Around 9am I went up for my shower and to get dressed. When I came downstairs Christy had come home (she spent last night at Nan’s and Amy was at the neighbours) and was playing Wii in her new soccer shin pads! And no, she was no playing soccer today – just practicing wearing them .

I made a cheese and pineapple jaffle for Kevin and myself for breakfast.

Then got started on my weekend to-do list. First up I emptied the dishwasher and cleaning the kitchen, then hung out the washing I had started earlier. Then I fed and watered all the animals, including the chooks.

Next up was the ironing. I was good girl and even put it all away when I was done – something I more often than not put off doing.

Kevin is going for the “hubby of the day” award and made me a cup of tea, which he kindly served with some cookies .

While having my tea break I started work on a photobook for my Dad’s belated birthday present. I took time to do some training with the dogs and was still working on the book a few hours later when it was time for lunch. An easy one today – reheated cheesy potato chowder.

Just before 2pm Mum and came over and we headed to my friends Partylite (candle) party.

It was nice few hours. I love partylite candles and have used them exclusively for about 8 years. It was also nice to catch up with friends I haven’t seen since before we went away – I’ve been a bit of a hermit since coming home .

We were back home around 4.30pm. After I got the girls to clean up the mess they made while I was gone, I made some cocktails which Kevin and I enjoyed in the spa.

I finished off the photobook and sent off the order. Amy was kind enough to make us dinner tonight – corn fritters. She made enough for Nan & Pop as well as she was sleeping at their place tonight.

Kevin and I then settled down to watch some episodes of Becoming Erica – a new to us show that we’re really enjoying.

and yes, the dogs got settled as well .

It’s been a lovely start to the weekend – much more like a Sunday than Saturday for us (esp. with Kevin not going into work), which means the weekend will feel like it lasts a while .

Goodness, surely it can’t be time to do a day in my life again? I woke up around 4.3oam – I seem to be waking early again and then the mind starts going (with only 3 days left till we fly to the UK it’s not suprising I guess). I snuggled in my warm bed for another hour and eventually got up. Bailey accompanied me downstairs – Rosie opted to stay in bed.

I took my cup of tea into the loungeroom to play on my laptop.

Eventually the rest of the house woke up and we all got ready for the day. Amy made herself a “pizza” for breakfast…

Christy had reheated french toast and I had some cruskits (with a cup of tea made for the car).

We set off. I dropped Amy off at school and took Christy to the doctors for her second swine flu vaccination.

I then dropped Christy off at school and headed home. I hung out the washing…

had another tea break then got started with todays cleaning. LOTS of jobs to do today. I wiped down walls and skirting boards in the hallways, cleaned the glass handrail, mopped the entry floorway and cleaned the outside entrance area.

Time for lunch…. a salad with tofu and sweet potato which was leftover from our BBQ yesterday. Yum! But the best part was getting to put my feet up for a while while I ate and watched Sarah’s House.

The dogs also took the opportunity to have a nap… half their luck…

Then it was back to workout. This time a THOROUGH clean of the scrapbook room – no organising today just cleaning.

I still had a bit of time before going to get the girls from school so I bought in the washing (since we’d be home after dark), cleaned the guinea pig cage and did some washing. I made myself another cup of tea which I drank while waiting up at the school. Parking is so crazy I went up 25mins before the bell, and I was lucky enough to score a place close to the gate.

Once I collected the girls we were off to the hairdressers. Amy had a cut and colour, Christy and I just had a trim.

The girls enjoyed the massage chairs.

We were there 2.5 hours!!!!! Christy must have been a bit bored..I found this on my camera… I think she needs new school shoes .

Susie did such a great job with Amy’s hair.

Before…

After….

And the front… there is purple in there but it’s hard to see in the night lights.

I was VERY glad to get home. I quickly got dinner started and changed into my PJs.  When dinner was ready we all sat down to eat.

Time to get the kitchen tidied up, type up this blog post and chill out in front of the TV. It’s been a long day and tomorrow I have more cleaning to do outside before I get my nails painted in the afternoon . It’s good to know that ALL the rooms inside the house have now had a proper detailed clean before our trip.

Today started just before 6am when I bounded out of bed and into my exercise clothes ready for todays Red Carpet Ready workout. So loving the new program I’m doing. Before starting I updated my i-pod with some new songs.

Then it was time for a green smoothie while catching up on blogs.

Then it was a mad dash to get ready and out the door. I went and loaded books and donations into the boot. Of course Bailey didn’t miss the opportunity to hop in the car – ever hopeful of a ride.

Breakfast was packed to be eaten in the car – even the girls had to eat in the car.

Then we were off..

After dropping Christy at school I then dropped Amy of for her AG class excursion in town. Then I visited my friend Lucy at her bookshop. I dropped off 4 bags of books and picked up the one to read for book group. I stayed and chatted for about half an hour which was lovely.

I then dropped off the donations at the charity shop. And drove back to Dapto

to go the library…

to pick up two books I had requested.

I then did some banking for the school uniform shop and then headed home for a little pitstop. I managed to have some morning tea before heading back again. Didn’t eat the banana.

This time I was headed for the doctors. I had an appointment with a new lady doctor after getting fed up with long waits at the local medical center. When Kevin went down the other night he was told a 3 hours wait – that’s just crazy. Guess how long I waited today? 5mins!!!! And the facilities seem much nicer. And best of all the doc was just lovely. I had a little list – like getting blood thinner for our long- haul flights (due to a previous DVT) and also the swine flu vaccine – which I was able to have then and there.

It was now around 12.30pm and I had to be back in town to pick up Amy at 2.30pm so I thought I might just wonder around town to fill in the time. I bought some new makeup brushes but really was a bit bored,  feeling lost and not really in the mood for shopping.

I got an iced chocolate and salad from Gloria Jeans and drove down to the beach to eat it. Though I ended up not feeling like the salad.

Eventually it was time to pick up Amy. I got parked and paid my $2. Wollongong has only recently gone to paid parking everywhere – which means it’s actually possible to get a park these days .

I love the city center in the Autumn..

A reminder of the mining history…

And I had to photograph this sign above the entrance to the Council building.

I bought a cup of tea while I waited for her and chatted with the lady sitting next to me.  After I collected Amy we headed back home. Finally.

Still feeling out of sort I had another green smoothie. So strange that I really didn’t feel like “eating” much today.

Then it was time to get to work as we had visitors coming over tonight. I made some hummus, prepared the veggies for our BBQ, and made a yummy salad. Amy was kind enough to make desert and set the table.

I managed to sit and relax with a cup of tea for a while before our guests arrived.

Even though neither Kevin or I were really in the mood to entertain tonight we had a lovely time and it was nice catching up with our friends.

We all had a good laugh when Emerson had to cut up Amy’s dinner for her.

Don’t you just love Christy’s look tonight. Here she is showing her french knitting.

Not suprising Amy fell asleep before our guests left.

It’s been a strange day and I was more than happy to hop into bed and read some of my book.

Goodness me this year is just racing by – surely it can’t be April already!

Now that’s we’ve switched back from daylight savings and it’s finally getting cold overnight, I’m having a lot more trouble getting out of bed in the mornings. I didn’t wake up until 6.30am and lay in bed chatting with Kevin and patting the dogs before finally getting up 15mins later. I hopped on the scales and was happy to see most of my Easter gain was gone . I SHOULD have done a workout this morning but I niggled my ankle yesterday and am going out with Amy today so didn’t want to stress it any more.

Instead I let the dogs out in my new slippers…

and made a cup of tea which I enjoyed with a banana goji berry muffin which I enjoyed as I replied to some comments on recent posts and checked out my favourite blogs.

Around 8am I went back upstairs to shower and get dressed for the day. I also straightened the bedrooms. Then I got the dishwasher unpacked and organised tea for the car. Christy had a girls day out with Nanny, so Amy and I had own girls days out.

Tea in hand we headed off…

passing Nan, Pop and Christy who were taking the dogs for a walk…

We drove up to Miranda were we did some serious shopping. Amy was so excited about this new “skull top” that she had to go and change right away.

We made a new discovery for lunch – Salsa’s mexican. I had the Vego Taco and Amy had the kids burrito. Talk about yummy! I’ll definitely be eating here next time….and maybe the time after that .

We then went to the movies to see The Last Stand. Amy had already seen it with a friend last week but was happy to see it again. Such a good movie. I really enjoyed it, except for the noisy teenage girls behind us.

Next stop was the tea shop.

where we sampled some brews..

Amy bought some Chai loose leaf tea. I didn’t care for any that I sampled.

We visited a few more shops before visiting Sniggles (a great stationary shop). I bought some things for the girls for the trip.

Around 3.30pm we stopped at the Lindt Cafe for afternoon tea. I chose the strawberries and dipping chocolate again and Amy opted for a brownie sundae but we shared both of them.

Next stop was target where we got Amy (and Christy) some more clothes – Amy was needing some more items for Winter.

We then had a quick stop at Gloria Jeans where Amy got a hot chocolate and I got an iced chocolate – to be enjoyed on the drive home.

Hmm….do you think we bought enough today?

All I got was a couple of magazines, a nail polish and some earring. Kevin scored some underpants. The rest was for the girls!

It was nearly 5pm when we left which meant we got to enjoy the sunset on the drive home.

We arrived home just at 5.45pm to find Kevin & Christy hard at work…

I quickly made some dinner for us and the dogs. We just had a roast veggie pasta with jarred tomato sauce.

Then a spot of washing up before settling down on the couch to type up this post then watch some TV. In an hour or so I’ll head to bed to read the last few pages of the novel I couldn’t quite manage to finish last night.

Goodness me it can’t be March already can it? Crazy!! Surely it was just last week I blogged a day in my life for February!

Prepare for a shock….guess what I time I woke up this morning….8am… yes 8am… I don’t think I’ve ever woken up at 8am when documenting a day in my life – talk about a sleep in for me. Must have really needed some extra sleep – having a couple of late nights (midnight) to stay up and watch the basketball hasn’t helped. So no early morning walk by the lake today .

Got up and headed for the kitchen and cup of tea. Kevin’s away this weekend so the girls and I having a home day after being out ALL DAY yesterday.

Played around on the computer for a couple of hours with breaks to get breakfast – hot cross buns today…

and play with the dogs….

Also managed to get all the animals fed and watered and the dishwasher unpacked.

At 10am I had my shower (in which BOTH girls joined me – luckily we have a double shower) and got dressed, made the beds and helped Christy sort out and put away the new clothes and shoes she got yesterday. Now, can someone tell me how she has managed to misplace not only her school shoes but the new Crocs she got yesterday). Mama is not impressed .

The girls from next door came over to play….

Time to put on the first load of washing and get the bread started. I tried to find a place on the bench to leave the breadmaker but it’s really a bit too big and chunky so back in the pantry it goes. I did swap to a different fruit bowl though.

Another cup of tea, then on do some ironing. Before…

and after…

I sat and read a few blogs and was motivated by Vanessa at Green Ness to go and sweep our pool area (it had been on the list to do during the week but I never got to it). Sweeping done it was time for some lunch, which I decided to enjoy out by the pool.

I’ve been going through some VERY old tour books on Scotland & England. After reading them I’m going to donate them – the ones I read today date back to 1992. Not sure why I have them when our first trip to the UK wasn’t until 1997.

I spent the rest of today outside working on plans for our trip. Rosie just fits on the seat beside me.

Bailey has to lie nearby.

It was nice to be outside and enjoying the last warm days. The girls also played outside – having a 3 legged race…

and making boats to float in the pool…

I still managed to drink quite a bit of tea throughout the afternoon.

I finally came inside at 6pm and made dinner for the dogs.

I then sat with my laptop on the lounge and made some more booking for our trip. The girls had gone outside to play with their friends some more.

Poor Dad came home from seeing Mum in hospital in a lot of pain from his hernia (which is having out next week). If he’s still unwell in the morning he’ll go see the doctor and I’ll go and visit Mum.

Amy and I had a late dinner – TVP wraps – the same as I’d had for lunch. We then watched Miss Naked Beauty. I took Christy up to bed just before 9pm and we finished watching the show as I typed up this post. Then time for bed. Kevin should be home around 11pm.

I woke up about 5.30m, lay in bed until just before 6am when I headed downstairs to start watching the Winter Olympics. I’m not much a sports watcher at all but I LOVE the Winter sports – which is why we paid to get the 4 channels on Foxtel . I also love watching surfing and cycling.

Anyway, Amy made me  a cup of tea which I enjoyed with a few of yesterdays maple cookies while watching the Ski Jump.

Kevin left to for the day and Christy was at Nan’s (having slept over last night) Around 8.30am I headed upstairs for a shower and to make my bed.

I then got some breakfast…don’t look….it’s not pretty (leftover pizza) but it was yummy .

Time for a few jobs like emptying the dishwasher…

starting some bread….

making some scones and some banana coconut loaf (which will go in the freezer).

It was a rainy day outside (though humid enough we needed to air con on) and a great day for spending indoors.

Amy’s friend arrived to spend a couple of hours. Then time for some ironing…

Then back to the couch where I alternated between the mogals, luge and speed skating (felt so bad for the 2 Koreans who almost got silver and bronze).

The girls had lunch at the table and I enjoyed some cheesy potato chowder…yep, you guessed it -watching the TV.

Spent much of the afternoon here – but also used my laptap to work on a photo book for the girls for last year.

Just before 3pm Kevin arrived home and we went next door for afternoon tea – which was organised by Christy, with help from Nan. It was lovely and they had both gone to a lot of trouble. Everything tasted delicious.

We came back home about 4.30pm and settled down in the loungeroom. I’ve probably watched more TV in the last 30 hours than in the last month or two .

I gave the girls and Kevin the chocolate hearts I bought for them.

Around 7pm we were finally hungry enough to have some dinner – we had leftover TVP chili con carne to use up so I made up some wraps. But we won’t talk about where we ate them .

I cleaned up the kitchen…

and noticed the beautiful night sky…out the back…

and out the front…

At 8pm I took Christy up to bed and read her a story. More TV and playing on the computer until we head to bed.

I woke this morning around 5.30am. I wanted to go back to sleep but with 2 dogs on the bed and Kevin reading his e-mail it wasn’t going to happen. I eventually dragged myself out of bed, got dressed and headed out the door with the dogs. It was much cooler and overcast this morning so it was a nice morning for a walk.

There was no one around so I let the dogs free for a bit of a run. Unfortunately a bird flew by and Rosie decided to chase it. Bailey followed. Rosie came back. Bailey kept going….right into the lake…

So of course Rosie went into the lake. They did have a fabulous time. But look at the state of them.

I send them into the duck pond to try and clean off a bit..But when we got home I took them straight up for a shower.

Ah, that’s better…

Since I was rather wet myself I showered and got dressed and came down and made some french toast for the girls. While it was cooking I checked out what was in the fridge that needs to be used up before we go away on Saturday.

Time for some breakfast.

I had some cruskits with spreadable cheese and a milo that Christy made for me.

I then tidied up, emptied the dishwasher and fed the animals. Then it was time to help the girls clean and tidy their bedrooms.

We did Amy’s room first…

we had just started on Christy’s room when their friend, Emerson, arrived to play. We decided to have a break then Christy and I got stuck back into her room

.

Around 1pm I was REALLY hungry and with not much in the house I ordered some pizzas. I got the girls to go help Christy while I drove to Dominos to pick up the pizza. The girls opted to have a picnic lunch outside….

and I opted to eat at the computer…. trying to fix my photo problem (hoping it now is).

Then Christy and I headed back to finish off her room. Finally around 3pm it was all done…..

Emerson’s Dad arrived to pick her up and I did some washing up and cleaned the guinea pig cage. Then it was time to have a cup of tea (and another slice of pizza) while watching Clean House.

I then spent a bit of time reading a book that I need to return to the library tomorrow, then got my photos uploaded to flickr. I lazed around watching some TV. Kevin arrived home about 6.15pm and once the show I was watching ended I got dinner for the pups and cooked an easy dinner for us. Filled Pasta (from freezer) with pasta sauce (from jar). Christy had one piece of pasta as part of our efforts to get her eating “real” food. Mind you she only ate half and therefore didn’t get her toast.

Then it was time for a bit of TV – watching some news on the Haiti earthquake and another UK show we’ve started to watch. Later I enjoyed an icy pole. I took Christy up to bed at 8.30pm and had a cup of tea. We headed to bed about 9.30pm and I did a bit of reading – finishing the library book and the romance I am currently reading.

Okay, I really didn’t forget to do this on the 14th. I was up early and had been on a walk with the dogs, started taking photos, when at 7am I got a phone call from my best friend Leanne to tell me that her 9 year old daughter Sarah had been in a terrible accident and it was still unsure whether she would survive. As you can imagine my day was then spent crying, feeling sick and worrying. I did go about my day in a fairly normal fashion – getting my cleaning done – but I was definitely not up to taking photos or sharing the day with you all. All week the news has been good and as of yesterday Sarah will coming home on the weekend – absolutely amazing her doctors with her recovery, and the fact she has no serious problems.

So I thought I’d document today, Friday 18th for the day in the my life. I woke up at 6am got dressed and headed out on a walk with the dogs. I did forget the camera, which was lucky, as it started raining half way through our walk and we all came home rather wet.

Amy was waiting when I got home to try a Zumba workout DVD. It was rather fun and I think it’s something we’ll enjoy.

Time for a cup of tea and a banana goji muffin as I was feeling hungry. I love using my Christmas mug from Gloria Jeans. Catch up on e-mails and google reader.

About 8.30am I went up for my shower and to tidy the bedrooms. I made Christy some french toast for breakfast. I had rice cakes with hummus and cheese. After breakfast I made some gingerbread muffins – new recipe so I hope they turn out. Just I finished I had a phone call from Leanne to say that Sarah was getting out of hospital either tonight or tomorrow. We had a nice chat and she updated me on Sarah’s amazing progress- so very different to Mondays phone call.

I tidied the kitchen and emptied the dishwasher as we talked. Time for another cup of tea.

I then got the girls to come and help me wrap up the handful of presents we give to family and friends. Amy did the gift labels, Christy passed the sticky tape and I wrapped.

Christy spent the whole day in her nightie. Oh, well, it was a good day for it.

I received my order from Polka Dot Cottage. You might remember the Summer necklace I ordered from her. When I saw Lisa had made some Christmas ones I just had to get one.

I then spent about half an hour finishing off our cruise scrapbook album. I’m pleased how it turned out – I used an 8x 8 albums and 2x3inch photos.

While working I could see Christy out the window talking the man who was installing our new gates (to stop the dogs from getting out the front gates). No doubt about Christy – she talks to EVERYONE!

Amy was just asking about lunch when my stomach hit emptied so that was good timing. She had leftover pumpkin canneloni from last night, Christy had french toast and I had some brown rice with Taco seasoned TVP and some tomato and sour cream. Yum! Much as I love salad on a cold, drizzly day like today I much prefer something warm.

I also took the vitamins I forgot to take this morning.

I tidied the kitchen again and got ready to head out for an appointment at the skin clinic. It was my very first skin check and he told me I was obviously careful in the sun as my skin was great for my age. And everything checked out fine so that was good.

I then stopped in at Aldi for a bit of stock up on food for the dogs and a few other things – like my most favourite hummus!

Back home and I got the groceries unpacked and had a cup of tea and some of said hummus on rice crackers. I enjoyed this while working on this post. I know I should have some fruit (have had zero today) but it’s just too cold.

Amy and I started work on a Christmas jigsaw (it was our fun activity for the day but Christy didn’t want to do it – having done a puzzle earlier in the day). I had another cup of tea and finally tried one of the gingerbread muffins – delicious (I’ll try and share the recipe in the next day or two).

Kevin arrived home just after 4pm and we got organised to head out to a movie. And the girls headed next door for dinner.

We went to see The Invention of Lying.  I hadn’t even heard of the movie but the preview looked pretty good and I like Jennifer Garner. The movie was really good and we both enjoyed it.

Afterwards we stopped in at subway to pick up some dinner. Kevin said he’d had Subway a few times this weeks already but was happy to have a salad for a change. I got my usually veggie patty wrap.

Back home, the kids were already home and playing on the computer. We got changed into our jammies (winter ones tonight as it’s so cold) and settled down to watch Crusoe while eating our dinner.

At 9.30pm we headed to bed and I painted my nails before doing a little reading.

I woke up about 4.30am this morning and lay in bed cuddling my dogs till about 5am. Got up and dressed and headed out for a walk before the sun was even up.

I LOVE walking at this time of day and this morning we saw a spectacular sunrise. It was just magical.

Back home I made the mistake of “quickly” checking my e-mail and half and hour later had to really drag myself away to do my morning workout. I did the Action Hero Babe build workout which is rather challenging but at the end I felt GREAT! And a bit sweaty .

Post workout I always have a green smoothie (with some unflavoured protein powder). Delicious! Oh, look who else enjoyed a green smoothie this morning – Alison from Mama’s Weeds.

Since it was still early – around 7.30am – I played on the computer until the rest of the family woke up (Amy was already up). Then it was time to do my normal daily of routine of watering the veggie garden (which is growing at an amazing rate), empty the dishwasher and feed all the animals. It’s already getting warm outside so I think it’s going to be a hot day.

Around 9am I munched on a couple of cruskits with cottage cheese and then headed up to have my shower and get dressed. Shortly afterwards Tina dropped by with some Christmas goodies I had ordered at a home party about a month ago. So excited as I couldn’t remember what I’d ordered. I got some great things for myself and the girls had picked out some presents for their teachers. Didn’t realize I was into gingerbread things.

Then it was time to make ask Kevin to get down the Christmas trees (from the garage roof) and help lug down the boxes of Christmas decorations. I should have taken a photos of all the boxes together – actually maybe it’s better that I didn’t .

As soon as we put the Christmas music on Kevin cleared out and the girls and I got to work putting up the tree and decorating downstairs. Amy did most of the tree by herself (though I did have to help with the light untangling) and Christy worked on the Christmas village.

Okay, before you pronounce me crazy (like Kevin did) for decorating so early – will be away the next two weekend and I was not going to go to all this trouble in December for just a couple of weeks. And I think it’s helped get me into the Christmas spirit – which I seemed to have been missing this year.

I took a break around 11am, already tired and over the decoarting. The girls had given up by now and I was left to deal with the mess.

Finally got the entrance and loungeroom done by about 1pm. Frankly I’m not too worried about decorating the family room and upstairs but I’m sure it’ll gradually get done. It was nice getting out the Christmas dishes.  Lunch was a wrap with hummus, cheese & salad which I ate at the computer (surprise, surprise). Kevin arrived home shortly afterwards and I played on the laptop while half watching TV. With the hot day and rather busy morning I feeling rather tired and my hands & feet were swollen & sore. Mid-afternoon we made some popcorn.

And when Kevin put on a TV show I didn’t want to watch/listen to I took my laptop outside to the pavillion (boy that sounds posh!). Talk about relaxing. I enjoyed a cup of tea and a couple of Crabtree & Evelyn Orange Butter biscuits (I adore these but can only find them at Christmas time – which was the reason I bought 4 packets the other day ).

I worked on our UK travel plans – revising our itinerary so we now get to visit the Orkneys and Skara Brae. So excited!

The girls came out and had a swim.

It was nearly 6pm when we headed back indoors and time to think about cooking dinner. I got the dogs their dinner and bought in the washing while it was cooking.

And sent Kevin out to collect any eggs. He looks impressed doesn’t he?

We enjoyed sweet potato rissotto (I made extra for Nan & Pop since they had just mowed our lawn) which we enjoyed (in a Christmas bowl) while watching some House.

Christy had had dinner with Nan & Pop but when she returned she spent about 40mins playing (very carefully) with the Christmas village.

We headed up to bed around 9pm and I’m pretty sure I was asleep by 9.30pm. I was awoken around 11.30pm by our new neighbours (they moved in TODAY) who were having a family sing-a-long. I’m pretty sure they had no idea how loud they were – I thought they were outside. But it was a still night and their house is fairly empty of furniture and seems to echo. Hope it’s not a sign of things to come. We’ve had no neighbours here (besides Nan & Pop) for 4 years so it’s a shock to the system.

Feeling a bit tired when I awoke at 5.45am. The girls had their first dance concert last night so it was nearly 10.30 by the time we got home and after 11am before I went to sleep. I cuddled with Rosie for a bit (trying not to wake up Christy who is sleeping with me while Kevin is away in the States). I decided no more sleep was to be had and got up after 6am. Downstairs to let the dogs out and get my first cup of tea for the day. Kevin rang so I spoke to him for a  bit – sounds like he’s enjoying himself and his convention is off to a good start. I checked my e-mail, caught up on the RCR forums and uploaded some photos to flickr.

Around 8am I got hungry for breakfast. I decided upon last nights dinner leftovers from Noodle Box. Strange I know but rather yummy. I didn’t want it to get wasted and I want to have a salad for lunch, then we’ll be out for dinner again – so noodles for breakfast it is.

With Christy asleep in my bed I wasn’t able to shower and get dressed, so after spending time on the computer I pottered around feeding the animals, emptying the dishwash and tidying the kitchen. Christy finally woke up about 9.15am so I was about to get ready for the day.

I then headed out the chicken yard – due to a broken fence (which has no been fixed) and all the rain we had last week it was rather messy. I quick sweep and tidy and it was looking much better.

Two eggs so far today, I’ll check back later for more.

Next up cleaning the guinea pig cage. While I was doing this (it literally takes 5 mins) Christy decided she wanted to give them a  bath – so we did.

I love watching them shake and groom themselves after a bath – so cute. As you can see I had fun getting some close-ups.

Time to finish the animal trifecta and pick up after the dogs. Also watered the front pot plants while I was out there.

I was wanting a cup of tea but decided to make a green smoothie as I haven’t had one for about a week – it’s been too cold and/or I’ve been too busy. I know they don’t look very nice but I promise they are delicious.

I then headed out to spend some time in the veggie garden – weeding, fertilizing (with a seaweed organic fertilizer), planting some carrot seeds and sprinkling some snail bait (something has eaten the “2nd” lot of cucumber seedlings I’ve planted, PLUS our pumpkins – NOT HAPPY!!!

Then it time to hang out in the kitchen for a bit. I made some soup I’ve been wanting to try (and will probably take this to have tonight). It was a recipe by The Healthy Irishman for Curried Split Pea Soup. I did alter the recipe a little bit but I think it’s turned out great. Tastes delicious and I can’t wait till dinner .

It’s nearly 1pm and time for some lunch. I made myself that salad I felt like and a salad plate for Amy (who does not like lettuce). I worked on some of our UK travel plans while I ate.

Christy has gone to play at Nan’s and Amy has a friend over so after a bit more time on the computer I decide on doing some crocheting. However, I get sidetracked cleaning up the kitchen. Then Christy comes back and we make some ginger cookies. While they are baking I cut some watermelon and go out to collect todays eggs and deliver some scraps to the chooks.

Cookies are done – they didn’t quite turn out like they normally do. I checked the recipe and don’t know what went wrong – though the mixture seemed a lot drier than normal. Amy said they taste fine though.

Finally I get to start work on learning how to do granny square. Don’t have much luck – my square is turning out to be a circle!!!

Then it was time to get ready for the dance concert. Had to do both girls hair and makeup and make sure their bags are all packed (they do this themselves).

I was lucky enough to get parking right outside the art center (yet again).

We dropped Christy at the backstage entrance and I took Amy to get some dinner from Noodle Box, before she went backstage. I then headed back to my car, where I read and ate my VERY yummy soup.

Just before 6pm I walked over to the Arts Center and got set to see tonights concert. Just like last night the girls loved being up on stage performing and both did great. I’ll share some photos in the next post. Luckily it’s always a great concert and no great hardship to sit through it twice – though my backside might not agree .

It was a bit of sad ending because Kristy has sold the dance company to another studio and although she will still be teaching it was the last KCs concert. There have been 10 and we’ve attended 7 of those. The new studio have a lot to live up in regards to the standard of the concert. We arrived back home around 10.15pm and after getting a cup of tea and trying to read – unsuccesfully cause Christy kept talking to me – I turned out the light and went to sleep.