Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Bunny in the Backyard

This little darling turned up in the backyard while I was hanging out the washing . S/he was very cute and very fast. I tried to catch it with grass and tomatoes but there was too much fresh food around to be distracted by my vain attempts. I presume it belongs to a neighbour nearby so I hope it finds its way back home safely.

I just buried a young King parrot that had run foul of a neighbour's Moggy. I try not to put too much food on the birdfeeder because the big Cockatoos spread it everywhere (they are such mucky eaters) and the smaller parrots forage on the ground below - perfect prey for a big fat ginger Tom. Whenever said feline is spotted in the garden a volley of clothespegs, applecores and the odd shoe greets it. One of these days it might get the idea that it is not welcome at our place - especially with its unsocial habits.

On the knitting fron (yes there is one) a lot of progress has been made with various WIPs but the most fun has been had with this pattern. The Bainbridge Scarf. Quick, stylish, economical and a perfect gift for patient teachers of hyperactive lads.
It has enabled me to use up the single skein stash of Eki Riva Baby Cashmere, the Mi Inca Baby Alpaca and the Rooster Almerino DK, all lovely soft yarns. There will probably be a few more on the way.


There has also been a 10th birthday celebrated at Teppanyaki in Double Bay - this is starting to become a bit of a tradition - with the requisite bursts of flame and omelette acrobatics.

Friday, May 02, 2008

Ironfest


Ironfest is always fun. We went late this year - just managed to squeeze in on the last few hours of the three days it ran. Despite this it was well worth it.

The Battle of Lithgow started just as we arrived so we braved the gale force gusts of wind to see the British and the French forces fight it out with cannons and muskets. I think the French force was vastly outnumbered but they fought bravely - right to the last soldier. There was an courageous (one might say foolhardy?) challenge by a French/Maori contingent in the form of a Haka. It was swiftly dealt with by the English but much appreciated by the audience.

Inside, out of the squalls, there was belly dancing, market stalls and art displays. The lad bought an Anvilchick while I made do with a skein of Alpaca from a farm in Little Hartley and a Dichroic Glass pendant from a Glass Artist in Wentworth Falls.


Sadly the weather stopped the Jousting as the horses were spooked by all the wind gusts but I was assured that next year an international contingent of Jousters would feature with combatants from all over the globe.

Driving home we travelled behind the storms as they progressed eastward to the coast. It made a spectacular sight with the clouds banked up above Victoria Pass and the rain falling in huge sheets.
The next day it was cold enough for snow to fall in Blackheath and Bathurst - and for me to realise that quite a jumpers had to be pulled out of the WIP pile in time for winter.