Nostalgia, Mystery And Arty Gardens.

Happy Easter

2014-04-19T19:28:00.004+10:00

Just a short blog

I thought I would share our front door with you

I found this wreath last Easter, when we were guests of very, special, people

My daughter -in-laws parents had us all there for 5 days

Hubby and I, Rodd and Deb and our 2 lovely Grandchildren

They showed us all around Sydney ( Australia ) including the Sydney Show

"Happy Easter"

APPLE PEELING MAGIC Just a Little Trivia

2014-04-12T21:57:00.000+10:00

A Little Exhibition with our Magic Apple Peeler,

with the help of my Hubby, and grandchildren Jakob, and Sarah

Isabels Collection of Vintage Wedding Gowns, Accessories, and Memorabillia

2014-04-12T20:59:00.001+10:00

This is the 2nd exhibition of Isabel Harvies we have been too
I am in love with these clothes and all the fabulous memorabilia

A STEP BACK IN TIME

Isabel Harvie with her favourite model she calls " Daisy "

This blog could go on forever, but I think I should stop here
"Thank you Isabel ,' all proceeds go to charity
You donated $ 14,000 to charity with your 1st exhibition
but this exhibition is only 1/2 way through
finito

THE PHANTOM ( The Ghost Who Walks )

2014-04-12T20:26:00.000+10:00

Do you remember" The Phantom the ghost who walks } Comics ?

With his dog Devil ,and his horse Hero

My husband came to Australia when he was 8 years old. Not knowing the language,

He mainly learnt to read and write through the Phantom Comics,( as he hardly ever went to school)

Now many, many, decades later his dream is to build his cave and then the Phantom himself

I think we will start with the cave, through photos,

as we did every thing ourselves

Lot s and lots of rocks

The phantom might be 400 years old - but this lovely old piece of wood is over 60 years old -right for the phantom sign

The Phantoms Cave is Finished at last

Now for the Phantom !!
Our son taking him home to paint

The outside undies! My wife dyed them and painted stripes

My sister -in - law Cheree fixing the outfit She is 5 foot 2, the Phantom is about 6 foot 7 inches

Making the gun belt

Our son attaching his mask

My wife Rhonda has finished the gun belt

Our phantom looks great at night , quite eerie actually with very dim lighting
An illusion, A dream is realized

The Phantom in his Cave

Vintage Lady

2014-02-01T01:18:00.000+11:00

I spotted this delicate Rosina, Bone China, Vintage, Lady yesterday

I knew my sister Cheree would love it

I found it in our little antique shop

It was sitting there with another Rosina figurine, but it wasn't her Birthday

until September, months away!

I showed her this photo, and she thought this lovely lady in green was perfect

So, Cheree now has a very early Birthday present

( Mum, myself, and sister Janice all put towards it )

Cheree is a doll maker ( and has her own kiln )

She is also like a doll, and bear doctor, and a doll teacher

This is the other doll in the antique shop she is hoping her husband will buy her ???

OLEANDERS

2014-01-31T00:56:00.000+11:00

My Favourite trees are ' Willow Trees "and "Oleanders "

Some people call Oleanders Shrubs

My Oleanders flower 8 months of the year, and are green all year round

The frost doesn't damage them, or the supreme heat

To-day it is 38% , and my white, cream and pale pink Oleanders look so cool

I use them as backdrops,or just a specimon tree

I also have them in pots ( I love the red one )

5 of them I have topiared, so that I can grow flowers underneath

Poisoners ? Yes, the sap is especially poisoness if eaten But oleanders have been grown all around the world, and there has been only a few fatalitys
In fact, the sap from the azalea, and rhodedendron are poisoness
Azaleas - Roman soldiers were poisoned from honey like sap of azalea pontic
Rhododendrons - Thier poisonos compound is Actylandromdal found in the nectar and produces
depressions of blood pressure, shock, and finally death

"Interesting Fact "
Oleanders are the official flower of Hiroshima, having been the first to bloom following the atomic
bombing of the city in 1945

2 Special Items I Found for my Garden

2014-01-31T00:52:00.000+11:00

I just love this old Childrens Bicycle It.s so cute and looks great in my garden

I found my other find in a shop called" Cheap as Chips"

I just knew I had to have him

To me, he looked like the extinct Dodo Bird, but I think he is supposed to be a Pelican

But I call him "Dodo "

My Hollyhocks

2013-12-05T21:11:00.000+11:00

I have not written a blog for so long,, I had to think how to do it

I love my holly hocks so much, and have taken lots of photos

I really thought they were an English cottage plant, but the experts say they are native to Europe and Asia

They also say they come from the Holy Land --hence - holy hoc

All I know they are in my Garden The seeds drop, and they just come up every year like proud soldiers

My tallest Hollyhock

I found this beautiful poem and hope you like it

HOLLYHOCKS

Old fashioned flowers, I love them all

the Morning Glory's on the wall

The pansies in their patch of shade,

The violets stolen from the glade

Have long been garden friends of mine,

But memories of every Summer flocks

about a clump of Hollyhocks

My mother loved them years ago

Beside the fence they used to grow

and though the garden changed each year

and certain blooms would disappear

to give them places in the ground

To something new that Mother found

Some pretty bloom or rose bush rare -

The Hollyhocks were always there

It seems but yesterday to me

She led me down the yard to see

The first tall spires, with blooms aflame

And taught me to pronounce their name

And year by year I watched them grow

The first flowers I had come to know

And with my Mother dear I'd yearn

To see the Hollyhocks return

The garden of my boyhood days

With Hollyhocks was kept ablaze;

In all my recollections they,

in friendly columns nod and sway,

And when to-day their blooms I see

Always I know Mother smiles at me

The minds bright chamber,s life unlocks

Each summer with the Hollyhocks

Poem by -- Edgar A Guest

My bright Red Hollyhocks match my Christmas decorations

The dark red ( nearly black ) growing through my Christmas Tree

( just pretend the hose and shovel isn't there )

Welcome Sign

2013-09-20T00:41:00.000+10:00

Arriving home last Sunday we knew that we had had visitors.

Just loved the " Hi " sign they had left us on our mat Who could it be ?

So glad they came back Lovely to see you,

Richard, Wendy, and little Lily and Lincoln

A Little Bit of Trivia - A Joke - BAGPIPER AT A FUNERAL

2013-08-29T16:59:00.002+10:00

I think we all need a good laugh, every day,

- the experts say

Laugh away your worry's,

its good for the soul

Read the the following story, and if there's only a smile

Even a smile makes life worth while

Bagpiper at a Funeral

As a bagpiper, I play many gigs.

Recently I was asked by a funeral directer to play at a graveside service for a homeless man.

He had no family or friends, so the service was to be held at Pauper's Cemetery in the back country

As I was not familiar with the backwards, I got lost and, being a typical man, I didn't stop for directions

I finally arrived and saw the funeral guy had evidently gone and the hearse was nowhere in sight.

there were only the diggers and crew left and they were eating lunch

I felt badly and apologized to the men for being late

I went to the side of the grave and looked down and the vault lid was already in place.

I didn't know what else to do, so I started to play.

The workers put down their lunches and started to gather around.

I played out my heart and soul, for this man with no family and friends

I played like l'd never played before for this homeless man.

And as I played " Amazing Grace " the workers began to weep

They wept, I wept, we all wept together

When I finished, I packed up my bagpipes and started for the car

Though my head was low my heart was full.

As I opened the door of my car, I heard one of the workers say

"I never seen nothin' like that before, and l've been putting in septic tanks for 20 years "

Apparently, I'm still lost ---- Its a man thing !

ART ----- REAL ART Is she real or an illusion ?

2013-08-29T10:13:00.000+10:00

Everyone who visited the Shepparton Art Gallery ( in Victoria, Australia 's ) were so enthralled with this work of art that it is now a permanant fixture

Yes, they purchased it!

1000's of people flocked to the Art Gallery ( I know I've been there 5 times )

The statue is simply called

"Woman and Child "

A man made this I feel very emotional just looking at the photo, Imagine seeing the real thing

I shall add to this blog The artists name and how he made it?

Books and Shoes

2013-08-29T09:37:00.000+10:00

A very different way to display shoes

On Books !

My granddaughter would love this

No on second thoughts she would have to use the whole 4 walls and wreck too many books

A short blog - Just a little bit of trivia

2 Very Nostalgic Photos

2013-08-29T09:02:00.000+10:00

We have just had 3 days away visiting my wonderful cousins, Aunties, and Adopted Relatives, as they are

also like family While visiting my Aunty Gwen (who is an unbelievable 98, YES 98 ), we went through some photos, having a good laugh

I took photos of her photos with my camera

They might not be too clear, but I love them

They were both taken around the late 1930's, and 1940

This photo of Gwennie pushing her baby Noel, along side her sister Elza is so unique

They loved shopping in Melbourne

And this photo is of Aunty Elza and Uncle Maurie in the late 1930's

I guess the the Motor Bike is a real antique too 1

An update on our Rock and Roll Room

2013-07-04T23:26:00.001+10:00

We have been very busy updating our" Rock and Roll ' room

2 walls are bright red, and 2 walls apple green

Marilyn and Audrey are a must !

We have many of Elvis of course, and the 60's cars

We had to put some vinyl on our " Happy Days ' table and the bench seats our son Jody found, are very old

Pity about the floor, but we couldn't afford to change that too

Do you like our flag ? -- See, Australians are just as patriotic as other Countries
My husband was given this large Flag when he sang on a Political Day
That's why it has pride of place

The Entrance Mat

and 78 old records that my hubby sort of melted down to hold our jaffa,s and fantail lollies

chips, and popcorn

An Aussie Rock Singer from the 60's John English

We went to see him last year and he even sings better ( even though he's 64 )

And My Man " Mr Neil Diamond " What a Legend

Notice how he's personally signed this for me

Although back in the 60's I loved Elvis and Pat Boon

This Drum Kit is from the 40's -- the war years

I love the hand painted dancing girl on the front
I know this is not from the 60's, but music is ageless !

Keeping the Trees Warm in Melbourne ( Australia of course )

2013-07-04T22:23:00.003+10:00

I recently spent 3 great days with my family in Melbourne

I had a very busy Birthday !

After shopping, and more shopping, we went to this great Mall for lunch, surrounded by

great Multi Culture shops, Multi Culture people and delicious food

A great 3 piece Romanian Band of girls were singing, and dancing

A very old man was dancing with his eyes closed, feeling the music

He knew all the moves

Then l noticed the trees ,how wonderful,

They had knitted, and crocheted woolen( ,l think you would call them jackets )

wrapped around them. It's winter time in Australia, and they love the trees

Enjoying our meat and vege wraps

Is that the reason, to respect and keep them warm ?

The following morning we went to the large Victorian Market, on double laned highways were more happy, warm trees

l shall have to find out more about this ---- I thought it was just great

International Tree Day ---31st of July

2013-06-30T15:20:00.002+10:00

Who Loves Trees ? I do

Who has Hugged a Tree ? I have

I know its not " International Tree Day " yet -- but I thought I would make a start

A Tree Story a Freind Sent Me

We all Need a Tree !

I hired a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse, and after he had finished a rough first day on the job----

a flat tyre made him lose an hour of work, his electric drill quit and his ancient one ton truck

refused to start

While I drove him home, he sat in stoney silence On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family

As we walked towards the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches

with both hands

When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation His face was wreathed in smiles and

he hugged his 2 small children and gave his wife a kiss

Afterwards he walked me to the car We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier

" Oh thats my trouble tree," he replied " I know I can't help having troubles on th job, but one things for sure,

those troubles don't belongi in the house with my wife and children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when i come home and ask God to take care of them. Then in the morning I pick them up again.

"Funny thing is ' he smiled "when I come out in the morning to pick them up, there aren't nearly as many troubles as I remember hanging up the night before. "

Life may not be a party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance

We all Need a Tree !

Musketeer Ears

2013-06-25T08:30:00.002+10:00

I Iove poking around in Antique shops and often bring home some special treasure

This time I found 2 TREASURES

A very old large magazine in black and white with some great photos that I will feature

in my next blog (story )

Then I spotted these genuine, original Mickey Mouse " Musketeer Ears" ( hat, from the 50,s, I think ? " )
At least I was told that, I better do some research I think ?

I knew my grandson Jai would love them as he collects old toys

It even squeaks when you press the brim

I wish they had reruns of " The Mickey Mouse Club " one of the 1st shows I ever watched on television

Grace Kelly ( Princes of Monaco )

2013-06-25T07:39:00.001+10:00

I think the pictures tell the story

The beautiful Bride Grace with her Prince, Prince Rainier 111

The photos are from an old magazine I found in an antique shop, I shall do another blog of her when she was a Movie Star ,before she became a Princess. -- Grace,, I wonder what she looked like as a child, a classic beauty, her name suits her so well

Favourite Photos

2013-06-25T07:30:00.000+10:00

I did start a ' favorite photos series "

But I've been a bit carried away with blogs, or stories, as I liked to call them and forgot

I just love these photo's below of simply hands!!

I have 2 photos actually

Mummys hands, Kara (Anastasia ) and her baby ZsaZsa at 7 months

My granddaughter and great granddaughter

This photo is unique, how many people have 5 generations in their family

Baby ZsaZsa's hands, with her Great Great Grandmother Thelma, ( Grannan )

Hands tell a story

'MONROES PLACE CAFE' Healesville, Victoria, Australia

2013-06-10T07:56:00.000+10:00

My hubby at I were spending 3 days in lovely Healesville

Strolling the streets looking for somewhere to have breakfast ( as we didn't want mcdonalds, or a bakerery breakfast, we wanted a real breakfast )

The cafe didn't really stand out from the road, we just happened to pass it and read " Monroes Place Cafe "

We went in and it was the " wow ' factor like going back 50 years

There were photos I had never seen before. This cafe had a bright and happy atmosphere, the breakfast was fresh, and hot, as was the coffee,the owner was singing and the staff were great, and it wasn't expensive What more could you want !!!

Hubby enjoying his REAL BREAKFAST, no synthetic fast food This plate was large, and Vince had already eaten his toast when I took this photo

This breakfast reminded me of my father, as he loved his cooked breakfast

Autumn trees and roses

2013-05-30T17:53:00.000+10:00

My small grandchilden ,I don't like to put them (the leaves not the children ) in the compost heap until they have had a lot of fun with them

I'm dressed the colour of an Autumn Tree -- I just love the colour orange

The Gallery Cafe in our Town

my Maple tree

Autumn roses ( my sons roses )

Trivia --- A present from our youngest son many moons ago A POEM

2013-05-30T17:00:00.001+10:00

Kyle, our son gave us this poem when he was a young teenager
We all had a laugh and its hanging in the music room

ART -- Moooving Art -- Love those Cows

2013-05-30T14:31:00.001+10:00

I have already made a blog about our arty cows.
There are over 100 cows in Shepparton and surrounding district ( in Shepparton, Victoria, Australia , that is )

These are some of our latest cows !

Isn't she just gorgeous
A Pink Mermaid Cow

Guess where this cow Lives ? In front of the Police Station of course !

Any one for Bacon and Eggs !

The Scarecrow Cow, This one makes me laugh, and is in front of the Tourist Bureau

I just call this one a Sunny Cow. If you wish to see some of the other cows in this arty family, here's what you do
On the right hand of my blog,you will notice boxes with pictures, marked cooking, gardening,cars etc. The one marked art, has all my art blogs in them, including the cows of course They always make me feel HAPPY even on a dull day !

When you have watched about 8 blog stories it will stop and you press older posts

Old Water Tower -- in Mooroopna -- LIT UP --

2013-05-15T18:26:00.000+10:00

Doesn't the Old Water Tower look great !

Being so tall, and also in the medium strip in Mooroopna, it really stands out, from a long way away

I Iove the colours, and find I just have to stop and watch the changing colours,
Actually I might crash the car if I don't stop as the colours mesmerism me

Mooroopna, is in Victoria, Australia

GUNDAGAI --"Where the Dog Sits on the Tuckerbox "

2013-05-15T17:37:00.000+10:00

My Mabel waits for me
Underneath the bright blue sky
Where the" Dog sits on the Tuckerbox "
5 miles from Gundagai

When I hear the name Gundagai, I think of this song straight away, and also the Infamous Bush Ranger "
" Ned Kelly "
Gundagai in N. S. W. Australia' is the Aboriginal word for --place of birds --
This town,perhaps more than any other Australian Locality, is, in reference to many stories,songs, and poems

The Statue of the Dog on the Tuckerbox at Snake Gully is{ 5 miles from Gundagai }
The Statue was unveiled by the then Prime Minister of Australia --Joseph Lyons in 1932 as a tribute to pioneers of our land, as Gundagai is packed full of History

Our 2 beautiful fgrandchildren Jakob and Sarah, in front of the Statue