October 23, 2010 The seat of learning

We have quite a neat little library in town, and with a new librarian, and a newly combined Regional Council, more funding.

They have upgraded the Junior Readers' section, which is very well used. Even the parents get into the act when there are computer games to be mastered!

And, is this not the coolest library chair? I rather covet that.

October 22, 2010 I love old houses!

Today is cloudy, with rain spats. So, I had to dart around to get some photos for you.


I just love the first old house. It's been empty as long as I have lived here, which is going on 4 years now. A gentleman walked by as I took the photo, and we agreed that with a blank cheque, a lot could be done to this belle from the past.

The rest of the photos show what can be done to these grand old ladies, with some imagination, and some vibrant colours. And, some money.

October 21, 2010 Strange fruit?

Here's part of my breakfast today. How many of you have eaten one of these? Do you like them?

This one was a bit disappointing in flavour, rather bitter.

October 20, 2010 Strange gate

On my way to the library, to return The Elegance of the Hedgehog, I noticed a really strange gate, one I couldn't recall seeing before. The entry to it was guarded by rusty, curved sheets of metal, not something you would want to drive over.

I had to have a closer look.

The apparition peering back at me startled me!! He was preparing to stop anyone from driving or walking on the new driveway, which was about to be poured.

Here he is, showing his best profile:

October 19, 2010 What's for dinner??

To start, an avocado from a neighbour's tree. That will be nice with just a squeeze of lime juice.

  
Then, some pasta sauce with tomatoes from the self sown plant in the back yard, hot chilli from a friend and some garlic. A little  lime juice will go in at the end, with some tuna in oil, just when the fettucini has cooked.

A glass of red wine will go well with this.


Later, feet up to watch those clever kids on Junior Master Chef, with a few nibbles of dark chocolate.

October 18, 2010 Catering to all tastes

October 17, 2010 The constant companion

Some years ago, my nieces gave me a lovely, but very flat koala. Oh, not a real one; he is made from soft sheepskin.

I christened him Licorice, in recognition of my favorite confectionery. He has covered many kilometers with me, never complaining about being squashed into my suitcase.

He particularly enjoyed being held by a pretty Italian girl in Pompeii; I had a hard time getting him to come back to me. (Fickle.)

Overindulgence in a newly discovered delight in Sorrento lead to him staying in a dark room the next day, and missing the trip to Positano. He said "I'll never touch that limoncello again, I swear."

In Padua, I had a hard time convincing him that the bidet really wasn't a koala size bath tub; he can be so stubborn sometimes.

Where to next, good and faithful companion?