New Excercise or not

For a very long time I've been meaning to try a pump class. I hear they are really good excercise. Finally I did. I went with a girl from work who is a pro. Even doing half her weights, it was way tough. Also very crowded. I liked it and yet I haven't been back. I've also tried Bodybalance, about 4 times and Pilates once.

It's funny, of my new things, some like yoga at Rockdale and Kogorah shopping centre ( of all things) I have since done 10 times and others it's been just the once. Making me conclude sometimes there is a reason you don't get around to some things, deep down you know you don't want to - like giving up chocolate!

How our garden grows

Snowdrops under the Japanese Maple. below is mainly the vibernum hedge we planted next door, nothing much seems to like growing on that fence.

More sewing

My sewing course had gone well, after breaking out a new bag in week one, have done cushions and finally this bag which is Definately my favourite so far.

It is a little tricky to fit in but I've been using the 15 min rule- just doing a little every other night. Makes things much more manageable.

For myself

Things have been pretty busy on the work and home front lately, our delicate equilibrium thrown out by extra swim lessons, parties and speech pathology appointments.

This morning for the first time in 6 months I treated myself to breakfast before work at a cafe. I feel so much better after a half hour break. And it's given me some time to think about some new things to do...

Happy 5th birthday Tobes

Can you believe Toby is 5? Pity I only have an out of focus photo to memorise it.

Toby's story

Can't resist, this is so cute. Toby loves to write books. He has recently discovered the stapler and loves to put together a few pages, with illustrations. No that's not his writing, just his words.

New 26 - Tempe house

This is another one of those things that would never have happened but for the challenge. Tempe house is in the suburb next to ours, Wolli Creek. A whole lot of apartments have been built around it but the developers had to keep Tempe house due to it's historical significance. Unfortunately it's rarely open - only a couple of times a year. so this time when I saw it was opening, instead of just thinking it would be a good idea to visit, I actually did.

There was even a band playing on the Sat when we visited. The occasion was a local art show. we only sort of got to see some due to trying to keep 3 excitable children from causing too much destruction.

 

As well as being a cool old "villa" built in around 1830 and home to a Caroline Chisholm (of $5 note fame) school for young ladies, it also has some cool gardens on the hill behind it - also of historical significance apparently and also just good for little kids to run around. A very cool place. Glad we got to visit.

New 25 - girls weekend without orienteering

 

How long have I known this lot? It must be about 25 -30 years but in all this time, I have never been away with them other than for orienteering. We have travelled all over Australia and the world for orienteering but not to just catch up, just the girls. Last weekend however, we went to Melbourne for Belinda's 40th. There was lots of great food and cafes and restaurants.

There was also the super cool Melbourne hire bikes. One of the many great things about the weekend is that I didn't have to make any decisions on what to do. Much as I like to organise things for me and the family, it was a relaxing change to not have to decide where to go and just follow happily along.

First thing Sat morn, Cathy and I cycled to the Victoria Markets on the cool Melbourne hire bikes. You can't help but smile cycling on these upright bikes. Melbourne's amazing bike lanes, including some separated from the cars in the heart of Melbourne are also a cause for joy.

 

It is rather amazing all the things I've done so far this lifetime. Been to Victoria markets before. Tick. though this time I bought some Ugg boots - goodbye synthetic smelly boots that I usually buy each couple of years. Hello WARM WARM WARM furry boots.

Sunday morning I went for a long run which was beautiful, running along the yarra then loops through the gorgeous botanic gardens. Everyone was running in a circuit around the outside of the gardens, there was hardly anyone in the gardens for some reason. Had been to gardens before too though, lucky I hadn't done a girls weekend with this lot otherwise I'd be struggling to find new in a weekend and that's not right! Guess I did find some funky Melbourne art. the top left is a bridge that crosses the Yarra, bottom left some sculpted hedge in the botanic gardens and finally a cow in a tree just near where we were staying at Docklands.

All up a very relaxing and enjoyable weekend. Thanks be to Jase for organising it.