The intense heat of Summer has arrived in our city, a little early this year.
Our miniature yellow rose a week ago - alas, now it is struggling to live after a few days of mid 30C temperatures..
Melbourne Cup (the 'Race which stops the Nation') has been and gone for 2016 - we had a little champagne lunch with friends, and our yearly flutter on the horses.
Sadly, no winnings at our nest.
Little Aussie has been for a visit, and we did some Christmas decorating:
All his own work - I let him choose the pieces himself, and he has a lovely whimsical way of putting it all together.
'Grannie, I love this' was music to my ears...
I like the way he placed the Three Wise Men and the shepherd...
Of course they would be looking at the Christ Child, not outwards as if in a photo!
Life has been very busy around the Cardinal Nest.
A creaking branch was removed from our gum tree...
That was exciting....
New air conditioner, just in time for the first heat-wave...
Solar powered snake deterrents - we have planted six of these around the house. Nobody knows if they work, but it's worth a try.
We have implemented a plan to reduce the vegetation in the garden, which can be quite a haven for wildlife, both desirable and undesirable...
I have ordered new bed-linens, a blow up bed, and a clothes dryer...
And the reason for all this activity?
In a few weeks, these little French-speaking rascals, our grandsons from Canada, will arrive for a Christmas holiday.
We are so excited. The 'Little Bebe' has never been to Australia, and it is four years since our daughter has been here.
They are looking forward to swimming in our pool, instead of building snowmen at Christmas.
I've never been busier in my life - so much to think of, and our first family Christmas for many years - ten, I think.
My father's Estate is very time-consuming, and it will be many months before it is all finished. Another rite of passage in life, I suppose.
Not blogging as much, but I'll get back to it in 2017.
Meantime, there is Christmas shopping to be attended to, the pantry to stock, and a lot of de-cluttering to do about the house.
Mr C took me to the Symphony Orchestra -
The Greig Piano Concerto, and Respighi 'Pines of Rome' -
a delicious night of musical delights.
Also champagne and some chocolate...
Stay well, and Stay cool.
XXXX
I like the way he placed the Three Wise Men and the shepherd...
Of course they would be looking at the Christ Child, not outwards as if in a photo!
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| Star Wars body wash - perfect for grandchildren |
Life has been very busy around the Cardinal Nest.
A creaking branch was removed from our gum tree...
That was exciting....
New air conditioner, just in time for the first heat-wave...
Solar powered snake deterrents - we have planted six of these around the house. Nobody knows if they work, but it's worth a try.
We have implemented a plan to reduce the vegetation in the garden, which can be quite a haven for wildlife, both desirable and undesirable...
I have ordered new bed-linens, a blow up bed, and a clothes dryer...
And the reason for all this activity?
In a few weeks, these little French-speaking rascals, our grandsons from Canada, will arrive for a Christmas holiday.
We are so excited. The 'Little Bebe' has never been to Australia, and it is four years since our daughter has been here.
They are looking forward to swimming in our pool, instead of building snowmen at Christmas.
I've never been busier in my life - so much to think of, and our first family Christmas for many years - ten, I think.
My father's Estate is very time-consuming, and it will be many months before it is all finished. Another rite of passage in life, I suppose.
Not blogging as much, but I'll get back to it in 2017.
Meantime, there is Christmas shopping to be attended to, the pantry to stock, and a lot of de-cluttering to do about the house.
Mr C took me to the Symphony Orchestra -
The Greig Piano Concerto, and Respighi 'Pines of Rome' -
a delicious night of musical delights.
Also champagne and some chocolate...
Stay well, and Stay cool.
XXXX
Summer! I am thankful we are just getting over the one here, it has lasted all through October!
ReplyDeleteLove the way he positioned the Wise Men! That is just the way that the monks have them after they have baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas, turning to adore Him.
Oh, that is a long Summer. I imagine cool Autumn breezes in October for you.
DeleteThat is interesting about the monks, who were perfectly sensible on the subject. The little Aussie has it all worked out too.
What excitement to have the Canadian family over for Christmas - it is lots of hard work but also fun and memorable.
ReplyDeleteWe shall be 12 at Christmas, and I am wondering just how I will cope foodwise as they are all adults now. Glad that you have got your air conditioning sorted and hope that the solar powered snake deterrents turn out to be effective for you.
Yes Rosemary, much anticipation going on in our nest.
DeleteTwelve adults is a big Christmas - good luck, and I am sure it will turn out beautifully.
The funny thing about the deterrents is we will never really know: if we see no snakes, were they deterred or did they simply decide not to come this year??
I'm so happy for you that your Canadian family will be joining you for Christmas, Patricia! They are very brave to do that long flight with young children, but it will be worth it once they arrive. And I think you are very brave to live in a place where snake deterrents would be needed. It makes me want to go hide in my closet. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt will be a happy time to have the little Canadians here for Christmas. Our brave daughter is coming alone with the two boys, and her husband joins them a bit later. Fingers crossed for her on that journey! Sometimes the snakes make me want to hide in a closet too :)
DeleteI envy your summer Christmas, Trish! I've never experienced one. It hasn't gotten cold here yet. Last week we had two 70 degree F days, so I can't complain, but shorts and open toe shoes would be lovely. I'm definitely a summer person.
ReplyDeleteLet us know about the snakes. Hope the snake deterrents do their job!
Enjoy lots of family fun! Can't believe it's time for the holidays again. Where has the year gone?
Ah, the opposite sides of the world. I would love to see a white Christmas with real snow. The closest we ever came was a Canadian visit to Ottawa and Quebec just after Christmas when all the decorations were still festooning the cities. Beautiful. Where indeed has the year gone? Dad went into a decline in February, and really, the pressure has not stopped since. Looking forward to a relaxed Christmas in the pool.
DeleteIt's so cool that you live somewhere when Christmas for you is in the summer. And how exciting that your sweet little brood is coming for the holidays!! That will be so much fun!
ReplyDeleteDoing the same things over here on the other side of the world. Christmas shopping and planning menus for the holidays time ahead.
I definitely don't envy you with the snakes issue. And all the other scary critters in your neck of the woods. You're one brave Chick! Lol
Blessings to you and wishing you lots of fun in the preparing and dreaming on the family visit dear Trish! xoxo
We might have snakes, but definitely no bears hereabouts!
DeleteIt is very exciting getting ready for the visitors. Every day I think of something else that we need, even down to a few latches and bolts to go on cupboards so little boys don't get into them. Can't wait to have them here putting up the Christmas tree.
Blessings to you and yours Carrie.
The food looks so Yummy on here, Patricia. That's a cute picture of little Aussie at the piano. It's strange to hear that it's Christmas time in the summer there. It's always during the winter here. The Nativity scene is beautiful. How wonderful that you will see your daughter during the Christmas holiday and your grandkids.
ReplyDeleteWishing you pleasant November days, Patricia.
love, ~Sheri
Hi Sheri, Yes, we have a very hot Christmas in Australia, but we love our (usually fake) Christmas trees, fake snow in cards and decorations, and generally do all the traditional Christmas things. I am soooo looking forward to having children in the house for the Christmas action. Happy days to you too.
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