sort, photograph, sell, repeat

A friend set me a challenge this week: to walk or drive exactly 5 minutes away from home and take a photo of what I see.

I failed to complete the challenge. Humph.

I really meant to get that photo challenge achieved this weekend (it was on my list of things to get done)...instead all I did was cull, sort, sell, clean and pack stuff!!!!!!!! 

It's not all bad. I went to my usual Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning yoga classes too. And Ben and I found a moment to vacuum and mop the floors woot woot.

Maybe I'll get to that photo challenge sometime this week...stay tuned....I might blog about something other than packing, sorting and selling stuff soon!

show day

my favourite exhibit of the day...Mrs and Mrs Vegetable - made by an infants student

a clever year 2 girl created this sand posy - I think it's very pretty!

Our local hat makers are so talented

carrots with character

Harry's painting of Till

Yesterday was our annual Royal Norfolk Island A&H Show Day. In terms of exhibits, it seemed a bit light on this time, though some years are like that. The Children's section was a stand-out, with the standard of artworks being higher than I can ever remember. It was a quiet show day for us, as Harry and Till had a break from the equestrian events this year. Just between you and I, it was a relief to get a year off from all things equine! Normally I miss most of everything else show-related, being stuck with the horses. As for entering items, we were a bit slack this year; no decorated cupcakes, drawings, preserves or pikelets, though I did enter a collection of photographs. Determined to keep her winning streak in the Lego section alive, Till did take time to construct a Lego model and won first prize. Harry earned a first place for his portrait, a painting of Matilda, which he painted at school. 

Speaking of school, it was nose to the grindstone today. Somehow I think it's going to be a busy and fast-paced term. As I glance at the calendar, I'm forewarned that our days on Norfolk are numbered. It's difficult to simultaneously live life, work and pack. As well as a house, I also have a classroom and seventeen years of teaching materials to sort through (and teachers, let me tell you, are NOT minimalists, well at least the ones I know aren't). I'll confess I have a panic-induced flip out most days of late and can be heard to say at least every other minute 'How are we EVER going to get it all done???????' I might be a certifiable nut case by the end!!!!

eleven today

A new beanie, a long sleeved top and a fleecy jacket, all ready for winter in Scotland! Some new clothes and shoes for Ellen Grace, some pretty tattoos, a roll on perfume, and an iTunes voucher. I think you AND Ellen Grace were a bit spoilt today! Happy Birthday darling girl!

XoXoX

revolving

Hello. I'm still here...so much for the big blog come-back. The truth is, I have nothing exciting to share. My days have revolved around selling and passing on our worldly possessions. I kid you not, it's like I'm running a shop from home!! Ben (who is suffering the WORST sore throat and swollen glands in the cosmos) has been enshrouded in darkness within a tiny 'lights and sound' box at our local theatre all week. He'll need a holiday to get over the school holidays, poor guy! Harry spent several nights this week at various mates houses, so we forgot he lived here for a while (just kidding Harry). Till has been meticulously planning her upcoming 11th birthday (it's tomorrow). She usually has her birthday plans well under-way around August each year, so this year is no different. The days events are programmed to the hour, starting at 6am apparently, with a present treasure hunt!!!!!!!!!!! Which means I have clues to google write!

Oh I almost forgot to tell you, I actually took a moment to visit the beach this week. It was the first contact I've had with gorgeous Emily Bay in over 5 months. Unconceivable right, seeing as I live on an island and all that?! Till and I had a picnic there. I packed chicken soup. In the world according to Till, people don't take chicken soup to a picnic! Bad luck for them I say.