Sydney sweltered..

We spent the past week in New South Wales, Australia. What a week. The weather was mental. We had a huge electrical storm with phenomenal thunder and lightening, then it was meltingly hot and humid.

Clem had his first swim in the ocean at Manly, and experienced his first ever Australia Day BBQ. There was lots of wine drunk and lots of food eaten, but not enough sleep had by any of us.

Another day at the office..

Just one of the critters I hung out with at work yesterday...

My latest project

Remember this guy?


I was so proud to find him for Matt's office. He was so big and green and plant-y (and only cost $6!!).

Well, flash forward two and a half years and this is what he looks like:


Yes, this photo is taken at our house, where we have relocated the plant for some intensive care. Turns out the office environment (or was it just the company of Matt and the boys) wasn't great for this guy. He has lost most his leaves, and those that are left are a bit worse for wear. He has also grown heaps of root type things from his trunk - presumably in a desperate attempt to find the water that he was never offered.

I am going to attempt to rescue him. Not sure how. I think some pruning and re-potting may be in order but I will have to do some research. Watch this space.

Hard day at the office.

With me working so much this week, Boo has had to spend a fair bit of time with Matt at his work. Although she looks bored to death, she actually loves it - all the people coming and going, the music, the run home...

Sunday goodness.

There was a big schmancy cycling race on in Christchurch today (maybe the national championships?). Anyway, we wandered up the road for a peek before lunch and saw an impressive peloton pass us a couple of times.


And followed it up with a lazy afternoon sitting on the lawn, staring at the sky, drinking some wine and generally being relaxed.

Which was a good thing, as I am working FOUR days this coming week - mental.

Piggy piggy deliciousness.

It was Matt's birthday yesterday, and I know he loves pork, so I trucked down to our local butcher and got a lovely belly for his dinner last night.

Our butcher only has happy free range pork, so I'm pretty guilt free about eating pig now (I stopped entirely for about four years after spending a week in a piggery during my study).

I slow roasted it on a bed of thyme and garlic, adding vegetables about half way through.


It was my first attempt at crackling, and although I had my doubts, it was a huge success.



He was a happy man. I think.

My fave way to start the day...

I made cinnamon scrolls for Christmas morning breakfast, but the recipe I used made heaps and heaps so I froze some for later use..


...like this morning! Yummo. See all that liquid on the tray up there? That's 100% pure New Zealand butter.


Matched with a cup of black coffee, the perfect holiday breakfast.

Bonne Année!

To end the year we had an amazing Vietnamese dinner, the hero being the humble iceberg lettuce. So crisp and fresh and delicious. A big thank you to our hosts and companions.


I realised I have nothing specific in store for 2011 (2010 had more than it's fair share of stuff - a baby and a new house for starters), so I'm thinking of it as a blank slate. As for resolutions - same old ones again methinks - more exercise, read more, blah blah blah. I'm also going to maybe try and boost my income (I am kind of over living off a weekly income that is less than the unemployment benefit) and might even do a little study (it's been four years since I learnt anything)...Nothing too radical, but a few small goals to work towards.

I hope everyone had a great night last night...here's to 2011!