I remember Four

Four years ago today our youngest grandchild decided it was time to enter the world, albeit two months early.

Today he's a delightful little boy who charms everyone he comes in contact with.  Isn't four a wonderful age?  The world is yet to be discovered and your life is full of great expectations.

What must it be like to be the envy of your big brother and sister with a Lightsaber all of your own?

 

This is our second autumn back in Sydney and we are still surprised at the beauty of the season after so many years living in a sub-tropical climate.

Not only are we delighted at the vivid colours of the trees, but suddenly there are sasanqua camellias blooming everywhere.  It almost makes the cold weather worthwhile.  Who am I kidding?

The week has flown by and I can't believe it's the weekend.  On Monday I met up with some old school friends at the home of one of our classmates and her sister.  Their unit is in a building constructed in the late Thirties and I was fascinated by the stained glass window in the stairwell.  

We were thoroughly spoilt as our classmate's sister is a gourmet cook, and a girl can't have too much lemon delicious.

I fell in love with their TV room and am secretly hoping that they will leave their home to me in their wills, but that's not going to happen.

The next day we drove our daughter and son-in-law to the airport and bade them a happy three months in Europe.   Not in the least envious. 

We know they arrived safely because this is their latest image on Facebook.  What a marvellous time to be living in.  They are on the other side of the world in London, yet we can see within seconds what they are drinking.  It's good to know they're looking after themselves.

As are we.

Happy birthday Dan.

Now that the birthday is behind us, bring on Christmas

Last Sunday the Fudge Clan celebrated our first born's birthday in style.  Three generations, spouses and an uncle gathered for brunch at our favourite restaurant in Centennial Park.

How satisfying it is to see the handmade gene passing down to the youngest family members.  Our seven year-old granddaughter provided her own birthday card for her aunt ...

... and Birthday Girl was equally delighted with the hand-knitted scarf in Spring colours, hot off her sister's knitting needles.

Now that the birthday is behind us, I can at last talk of Christmas.  Usually around the first week of November our middle child (who also answers to The Organiser), sends out the first Christmas Wish List email.  Tradition has it that her sister immediately sends out a response complaining that the Birthday Wish List surely should come before the Christmas Wish List.

A respectful distance has been observed since the birthday, and I can now officially slip into Christmas mode.  Mind you, with strong orders for Christmas dresses and garlands in my Etsy and MadeIt shops, the mode is well and truly worn in.

I've just shipped off the last custom order of clothing, so now it's back to the assembly line for the Christmas Tree garlands.  With a bit of luck I will have caught up with the orders by this time next week and then I can plan the Christmas pudding and cake.  And there lies another tradition.  My late mother's cake and pudding recipes are legendary and she would be thrilled to know that they are now being used by her granddaughter, and in time no doubt by her great-granddaughters.

Back to last Sunday, where Centennial Park never ceases to surprise and delight us with the lovable and sometimes the downright quirky.  This family of pugs (what do you call a group of dogs?  Pride? Herd? Mob? Gang?) comes under the lovable banner.  They were anxiously waiting outside the restaurant, hoping their owners would bring them something tasty for being so good.

And here is the quirky - the pigeon's contribution only added to the quirkiness.

The title, We Won, intrigued us all.  What was this Rugby player from the late 1800s wearing on his head?  Dog turd was the most popular response.  The children loved that idea, but was quickly dismissed.

And what were these cherubs up to?

No matter, it was a fine monument and one that caught the imagination of the children.  Curiosity got the better of me and I did find the explanation here.  Ah, an artist from the past with a delightful sense of the absurd.  Thank you sculptor Tomaso Sani for completing our perfect day.

Tuesdays

What a time to be in Sydney.  I know it won't last, but it's a stunningly beautiful day today, clear blue skies, warm temperatures (mmm ... warm ...) and blossoms everywhere.  It's also my quilting day with St Ives Quilters which is always fun.

Today had an extra bonus - three parcels were waiting for me at the Post Office.  I can't show them all, because two of them were early Christmas gifts (I know - I can't believe that we are starting so early this year.  No doubt it will all end in tears and panic on Christmas Eve, but our intentions are good). 

 However, I can show you the third parcel.  I did the traditional Fabric Dance of Joy when I opened it, as it had one fabric re-order I had been waiting on and several new ones which I will use as samples for my new summer/Christmas range.  And there's another fabric bundle somewhere out in Australia Post Limbo waiting to land in my Post Box - hopefully tomorrow.

It's been a good week all round, starting off with Fathers' Day on Sunday when we joined our daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren for lunch at a delightful restaurant.

I think the children would have taken the cow home if there had been room in the car.

Most importantly, today is our granddaughter's sixth birthday, but as she is far away in Queensland, we will save up our hugs for our next visit.

Good things happen on Tuesdays.

Through Children's Eyes

"Grandma, what does that taste like at YOUR age?" 

A fair enough question when it's your sixth birthday.  After recovering my composure, I assured her that it tasted the same as it did when I was six. 

As a birthday treat, Mr Fudge and I took birthday girl and her eight year-old brother to the Gallery of Modern Art (gOMA) for the day.  It was our second visit - the first occasion was with our daughter and granddaughter before Christmas and it was such a fun-filled day that we knew it was the ideal treat for a child's birthday.

A whole gallery full of white Lego pieces - bliss.

Flying down a twisted tube was very tempting, but I resisted.

The pool looked enticing ...

Cool!

What's next Grandad?

A room full of purple balloons ...

Brilliant!

What the butler saw.

Take me to your leader.

Yes, adults flock to this exhibition, but seeing it through the eyes of children is a rare privilege. 

Grandparenting - wouldn't miss it for quids.

Let's Go Shopping

With three Fudge birthdays this month, what a perfect opportunity to do a little party shopping.  Start the ball rolling with this delightful bouquet.

Origami Heart Bouquet by My Bohemian Summer

 



Birthday Card by Sweet Simplicitee

 


Birthday Cupcake toppings from Enticing Icing

  


 


Gorgeous red necklace by Strat Designs

The party dress from Sash Couture























For more shopping ideas, pop over to BrisStyle.