the simple things

Initially, I struggled to see the bright side of our new "old" car breaking down on monday. I guess I was just not destined to accessorise with a new red leather bag as was the purpose of the outing. To set the scene.........Firstly, I was a little concerned when realising that I had forgotten the baby carrier, no matter we could carry Annabelle. Mildly vexed when I had forgotten my purse and cash, no problem, sister could cover me. I was however by this time, not even surprised on exiting the car (after solving those little challenges) to discover that my car had a leak. Actually to be more accurate, a "lot" of water had leaked from my radiator. It only rains when it pours so naturally this would have to be the week for this to occur....murphy's law or something like that.

There is however, a bright side.........

We broke down behind a fabulous shop with excellent coffee and beautiful shoes on perhaps one of the few days of the year where you can sit outside in Hobart and be just the right amount of warm. Secondly, the RACT man truly was just like Indianna Jones rescuing a damsel in distress. Kind, considerate and not once did he make me feel silly about the car dilemma. He even followed us home to make sure we arrived ok, after helping get the pram in the car and patiently waiting to pack up the babes and bags. My faith that there is good in this world was restored, thank you universe!

Testing..........Testing.......

Something exciting is happening which has all of the household buzzing. Some much loved visitors are arriving from overseas on tuesday. I have been busy baking this morning testing some new culinary delights in preparation for next weeks guests.

Olive & Baby spinach tart with pine nuts......yum....

Hazelnut brownies to go with big scoops of rich vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate sauce.....approved by the boys in the house...... I come from a long line of cooks who "love to love" with food! Sorry folks, the diet will have to start when you leave us.

My daily indulgence

There is one thing that I am completely unashamed to admit complete addiction to..........my first coffee of the morning. When my husband was first discovering the joys and quirks of co-habitation with me, this was, I am sure, quite amusing to him. He wasn't entirely sure why we couldn't go away for the weekend without either packing my morning saviour (I rely heavily on my coffee pot as pictured) or confirming in advance the location of the nearest place to grab and espresso before 7am. He happily obliged my harmless obsession and went along with my requests. I confess I am a coffee snob, very particular about how it is made. I even turn my nose up at the "barista" on sandy bay road. He gives me the mildly frustrated "i know how to make coffee and you are just a mere consumer" when I specify how I like it to be made.
Now my daily routine has changed somewhat. The click, click of my stilletto's along the pavement of collins street has long since faded. I have traded my suits and heels for sneakers and tracksuits. I don't even dare venture into a cafe, too perplexing with two babies crying in harmony to each other.

I do however indulge in coffee made to perfection on my own stove.....two a day....no more....no less. This is the little piece of heaven I savour in rare moment of quiet during the day. My husband is now bursting with confidence as he is now trusted with the task of making the perfect cup. I have taught him the ways of the stove top coffee and he has passed with flying colours. He now understands and appreciates my coffee fixation and am sure is a little addicted himself.

Happy birthday to me.

This was the much desired gift that Mum spoilt me with..............now to find a quiet moment to enjoy....perhaps 2011??

Flowers on the kitchen table at breakfast alongside some lovely blocks of fine chocolate........

He does know me so well.

My birthday dream is for one hour of time alone with my husband to talk about anything except who is changing the nappy, feeding the babies or cleaning up the mess.............I can dream...........but for a slightly more realistic treat......perhaps some takeout and cake...

Grey skies are gonna clear up...put on a happy face.

Waking to the sun on saturday morning had us inspired to get outside and enjoy the day....a welcome relief from weeks indoors. A perfect sunny but crisp Hobart spring morning.

We spent the morning shopping in town....complete with pram, nappy bag, baby carrier and three children following along....what an entourage...... One of these was purchased for an upcoming family birthday.

We went to the wharf and bought fish and chips wrapped in paper cones.

Then we ate at the park and played in the sun.

We delighted in the sunshine and fresh air at the park. The little one ran around enjoying the freedom of outdoors as the big ones chased him.

There was no time to stop to eat as there was too much to see and do.
Then home exhausted for a rest and some quiet time whilst the babies slept.....We thoroughly enjoyed all five minutes of it.....

Still Raining

I can't believe I am wishing away the rain................but seriously it feels like we have only had one nice day all winter and it's now spring! Little Felix is desperate to get oustside for a walk to the park and I could do with some sunshine too.

The thing about the rainy weather though............it really calls for more cake and coffee to keep away the blues. I guess everything has an upside.

Franklin

Introducing our family pet Franklin.........aka Frankfurter or "The Furt".

At a very romantic, warm and fuzzy time early on in the newlywed days we thought it would be great to get a dog....to expand our family at a manageable pace rather than starting off with a baby. We met a lovely welsh springer spaniel on a beach at sunset on the north west coast and were smitten. As fate might have it, some welshie pups were due that month with a breeder in Tasmania!!! Our excitement took over and we paid the deposit, bought the leash and anxiously awaited the arrival of our new family member.

He arrived and howled every night for a week. Jon dutifully woke up and comforted him, whilst I took a less than loving parental approach and tried desperately to ignore his whimpers while being transported back to the early weeks of Lachlan's life as a newborn. He did however settle into being a fairly compliant, trouble free pet. That was until our move into town where he has escaped with more skill than Harry Houdini from our new yard. One advantage to this, has been meeting at least six different neighbours who have returned him on too many occasions to count.

That was until my dear husband attached some lattice to the sides of the house and it seems he can escape no longer..............hooray!! I was (and am sure they were) getting a little tired of greeting the neighbours in my uggboots and pajamas when he was returned early morning or late at night. Peace has returned to our castle........how's the serenity...........