What's in the Bag?

It all started when Shannon sent me a link to a vest she particularly fancied from Metalicus. Decided I would check it out. Metalicus has a new, smart shop in Queens Plaza and I was lucky enough to be served by the lovely Rachel. We decided on the vest..(so happened her sister lives in Cambridge..as does my Shannon). Thought while I was there and feeling so comfortable with Rachel..why not try on some stuff for myself. Well..what fun that turned out to be..not to mention the dent in my bank account. Absolutely no regrets though. Rachel was just fantastic...and I loved every minute I spent with her trying on things. At no time did I feel pressured to buy..it was a real fun experience.

I even went back the following Sunday and bought some more pieces to go with this and that.

Then, with the incentive of a $50.00 gift voucher, thought I would buy my gorgeous girl something as a surprise...so to cut a long story short that's what's in the bag! Just over a week and I'll be there..I am so excited and can't wait to see my darling girl.

Travel Plans Falling into Place

I decided today to try and finally sort out accommodation and train journeys for my forthcoming visit with Shannon and Nick. I'm not too adventurous (maybe I'm getting old)..so felt compelled to book trains and accommodation. Shan, Nick and I are all pretty easy about what we do on holidays, but all agree that it must be a 'holiday' as well and not just racing around 'ticking boxes'.

The internet, in one way, makes it easy to do your own travel plans..But on the other side, it provides way too many choices. There are a number of excellent websites that provide an incredible number of options. Most owners respond quickly and it doesn't take long before you find yourself chatting away with Fabio, Walter, Mario, William, Elizabeth, etc. etc.

So accommodation now booked in Spello, Umbria; Menaggio, Lake Como, Venice and Ghent.

After hours of research and emails with Shan, finally booked train tickets today..breathed a sigh of relief...thought I'd done pretty well...but then got an email saying train tickets not confirmed...seems some of the tickets (at the quoted prices) might not be available! Anyway, fingers crossed, all will be fine...and the tickets will arrive via trusty Australia Post before the end of the week.

Our Menaggio house (on Lake Como) was recommended by friends and it looks gorgeous.
www.lakecomoholiday.com. We've got the little house on the bridge.

In Spello, we are staying here: http://www.inurbe.it. We have the flat with the terrace...

In Ghent we are staying on a boat: Bon Vivant on Travellerspoint.

Wonderful, hey..but how easy it would have been just to give dates, budget to the travel agent and let him/her take it from there. And we would have been happy with that.

Another Milo

Tried as I did to get this one finished in a week or less, I didn't quite suceed, eventhough I indulged in one Saturday afternoon in front of the fire, knitting and enjoying a nice glass of red.  This is my second Milo and the first PDF pattern I bought (have bought several since though).  The next one I make, hopefully I won't have to unpick any..getting the hang of it and bought some shorter needles today as the next one is much smaller.  I didn't notice until I finished it, that the dye lots were different..never mind..just adds to its character. 

"When I'm Sixty-Four"

 

When I get older, losing my hair

Many years from now

Will you still be sending me a valentine

 Birthday greetings, bottle of wine.

I was just turning 20 when this Beatles song was first released in June 1967.  Little did I know that when I did turn 64,  my much younger work colleagues would all be able to sing along with me to celebrate my birthday. To help with the celebrations, I provided the cake..a beautiful butter cake from the Shingle Inn.

My birthday celebrations (on the actual day - which was a Sunday) started with a yummy breakfast with my sister and family and ended with a long walk through Toohey Forest with Liam and Addy.  Roast lamb was on the menu for dinner and Liam had made a beautiful Italian dark cherry tart.  

These were the leftovers that I also took to share with my colleagues.  It had a lovely light texture and the perfect sweet with which to end my perfect Sunday.  To add to my delightful day, Shan and Nick skyped me from France..and you can see what they got up by checking out her blog.

But the celebrations have continued...and today I went with some friends to the Spirit House at Yandina for a sensational lunch.  We shared some entrees....this was the pork belly...

 And this is the pork belly..all gone:

 And the whole fish..bit gruesome for me but Tom said it was delicious.

June seems quite a popular month for birthdays amongst my friends and family..and my other Shannon (from my work) turned 30 a couple of weeks ago.  I knew she loves chocolate cake, so chocolate cake I made her.  This is a cake I have made lots of times from a very easy recipe which you might like to check out.   I doubled the recipe on this occassion and filled it with fresh cream with chocolate icing on the top.  Please excuse my dismal attempt at writing...won't be trying that again.

My First Fire for Winter 2011

What a gorgeous weekend..
Sunday was cool enough that I could justify keeping the fire alight all day!! A rarity here in Brisbane.  The house was ever so cosy..just right for knitting, reading papers and a nice glass of red wine.  Addy and I did go for big walks through Toohey Forest, though..and I worked on another quilt..photos to follow.
Just to ensure that I didn't become a complete hermit over the weekend, I took myself to a movie today..Angele and Tony  A thorougly enjoyable French film set in a fishing village in Normandy.  Go see it if you get a chance.

Twirly Skirts and Sherbet Pips

 I just loved Moda's Sherbet Pips by Aneela Hoey from the moment I saw it and just had to buy the range.  It has been sitting in my stash for a while..just needed an excuse to put it to use.  My work colleage, Ivan and his wife were heading off for a family visit to the north of Scotland.  So what better use then to make a little twirly skirt for Ivan's niece, Valia.  Ivan and Bernie headed off today with the little skirt in their luggage. 

Mastering the Milo

I'm not sure where I first saw the cute Milo vest..maybe on Tikki Facebook's page..maybe I was checking out Ravelry.  But as soon as I saw it, I knew I had to buy the pattern and make one.  I have been knitting on and off for years, originally taught by my Aunty Glady when I was about 9..but never have I used circular needles.  I had a few mishaps along the way..but after the third attempt, all went smoothly.  Lots of lessons were learned and I am sure never to make the same mistakes.  So enthusiastic am I to get into circular needles and 'top' down knitting that I intend to enrol in a course at Tangled Yarns.  There is a whole other world of creative knitting just waiting for me to discover.