Tuesday 30 November 2010

I'm getting ready....


If you read yesterday's
post, you'll know we're
expecting VIP visitors
in February!!

While shopping for
Christmas presents
in Whitcoulls (book store)
this morning, I discovered
that for each $20 I spent
I could buy a 'Horace' bear
for the special price of $7 -
naturally I had to buy two!!


They are now propped up
on my computer chair -
you can see why I
just couldn't resist them!

Horace 1


and Horace 2.
And very soon I'll be preparing
two little beds for my
darling granddaughters
and there will be a
Horace bear on each bed
waiting to be cuddled.


Also on the chair
with a bears is
Peter Rabbit's
Cookery Book
which was given to
my daughter when
she was four yrs old.


When the girls arrive
we will have a little
tea party,
would you like to
join us?

Do bears like rice pudding
and jelly


and jam tarts


and oat biscuits?
I hope so...


They must surely like
Mrs Rabbit's currant buns!

There's just so much
planning to do and
I'm hoping Horace 1 and 2
will help me!!!

If you would like any
of Peter Rabbit's recipes
please let me know!!

Thank you so much for visiting
and for leaving your lovely
comments

be kind to one another

hugs
Shane x



Monday 29 November 2010

Call in the Experts I say.....


I've just received some
wonderful news -
my daughter and her family
will be visiting us from Europe
early next year!
Sooo I feel the house
needs some extra titivating!


I've sought the expert advice
of Julie-Ann of
Julie-Ann has very kindly offered
to do a post for me today
as we thought there maybe
others out there needing help as well!
Over to you Julie-Ann!!!
 _________________________________________

"Would you like to give your
living room or bedroom
a little makeover?
Maybe it just needs some finishing
touches to make it everything
you have dreamed of?
It can be as simple as
adding a few extra items:
Perhaps some cushions.


Or a throw rug.
You can even make one from
your favourite material
or an old quilt cover.


I love adding flowers to a room,
especially orchids.
They look so elegant
and can last for months.


A rug can help to frame a space.


Try adding some personal photos
of your last family holiday -
don't keep them hidden away
on your computer.
Have them on display
to bring back great memories.


There are some gorgeous wall decals
and canvasses for sale online.
Or make your own canvas
with some stunning fabric.
It's cheap and can look
sensational.


And when the Minister of Finance
says there's no money in the bank
don't worry - look what one member
managed to do with pieces
she had around the house
(elements bedroom before photo)


(elements bedroom after)


If you are looking for ideas
on decorating, renovating or building
pop over and chat with us
We would love to meet you!"


Thank you so much Julie-Ann
I love your simple ideas -
it doesn't need to be
complicated after all.
Even the Minister of Finance
will agree to this makeover!!

Thank you dear friends for
visiting and leaving your
lovely comments.
Enjoy your week and
be kind to one another.
Please surf over to sign up
Hugs
Shane x



Sunday 28 November 2010

I'm counting my blessings


On my daily journey through
blogland,
visiting and reading
my favourite blogs,
I sometimes encounter a
giveaway.
Often the content of the
giveaway
will be treasures that
have been collected
or even hand made
by the host.
I only enter a giveaway
if the items on offer
are...
"I've just got to try and
win this - it's got my
name all over it"
you know what I mean.... 

 I was recently lucky enough
to win a giveaway
made by Rhonda here
Now, I'm a huge fan of
Rhonda's
and I would love
to have everything
she makes!!!
I was 'over-the-moon'
when I saw my name
on her blog
as the winner -
crossing my fingers
and toes
really did work!!
In her parcel were
this beautiful
fabric tag of the
Madonna and Child

 and also this sweet
French themed shadow box
(click on it to see the beautiful detail).
Thank you again Rhonda
I'm so blessed to have a piece
of your art work.

 This is the second lovely
package to arrive in
my post box all the way
from Barbara in the UK.


Barbara and I did Caroles book class
together earlier this year.
Barbara used exquisite fabrics,
laces and buttons
so I knew when I saw
her Giveaway, it
would be amazing.
The french fabric edging with
children embroidered on it
was enough for me!!!
Click on the photo
to get a closer look.


Thank you Barbara
I appreciate your gift.

Please visit these two blogs
they are both so talented
and both also have
on-line shops
(Christmas is almost here)!!



I'm finding it very hard to move on
following our mining disaster.

Next week there is a
formal Memorial service for the
29 miners
who lost their lives last week.

Please continue
to remember their families

 in your prayers.

Thank you for visiting my blog
and for leaving such
lovely comments
I appreciate each and
every one of you.

Be kind to one another.

hugs

Shane x

Thursday 25 November 2010

I am so thankful for.....

my family
my dear husband
(my rock)

for my darling son
currently working in the
Soloman Islands


for my sweet daughter
and her family
living in France


for all my friends and

for the place I call home

Auckland

New Zealand

and for all my
dear blogging friends.
Special wishes to those
celebrating thanksgiving!

Today Im linking to Maxabella here

Be kind to one another.

Shane x

Wednesday 24 November 2010

ANOTHER EXPLOSION IN THE MINE......

Late this afternoon we received
the devastating news
of another catastrophic explosion
in the Peak River mine.

This second blast
extinguishes
hope for survivors.

We had all held such hope
for a successful rescue of
the 29 miners trapped below ground.

Tonight
our hearts and prayers
are with their families.


Please remember these
families
in your thoughts and prayers
this evening.

Shane x



Tuesday 23 November 2010

MINE EXPLOSION - NEW ZEALAND

It is worrying times again in New Zealand.

Last Friday an accident occurred at the
Pike River Coal Mine.

The mine is situated near Greymouth
in the West Coast region
of the South Island.


An explosion has left 29 miners

trapped 1,500 metres (4,900 ft)
from the mines entrance.





They have been testing air samples
from inside the mine and these
still indicate poisonous gases present.

The risk of further explosions mean it
is unsafe for the rescue teams to enter
the mine at present.
This is very traumatic for the families
who have loved ones in the mine.
Please join with us in prayer that our
29 men trapped underground
will be delivered alive and well
back to their families.

Thank you dear friends for your comments
may you have a good week
and “be kind to one another”
take care
hugs
Shane

Friday 12 November 2010

In Flanders Fields.....

Armistice Day 2010

This beautiful poem was written
by a Canadian Medical Officer
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae


In Flanders Fields


In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.



Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John McCrae was a Canadian medical officer who,
in May 1915, had conducted the funeral service
of a friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer,
who died in the Second Battle of Ypres (Ieper).
Distressed at the death and suffering around him,
McCrae scribbled the verse in his notebook.
In a cemetery nearby, red poppies blew gently
in the breeze – a symbol of regeneration and
growth in a landscape of blood and destruction.




Below is the memorial to the
New Zealand soldiers
who gave their lives
in France and Belgium in the 1st World War
in their fight
for our freedom.

We shall honour and remember them.

I'm sorry I'm a day late with this post..
Wishing you all a happy weekend
thank you dear friends
for your comments and
"be kind to one another".
Shane

Friday 5 November 2010

General Gallieni - a very dashing french man!!


There's something about
a French man -
n'est-ce pas?
Meet one of my favourites
"General Gallieni"
who is a wonderful tea rose!

Quite the most handsome
speciman
don't you agree?!!
I love the colours of
soft pink to
rosy pink to
buff yellow
through to deep red
I decided to photograph him
in the French corner
of my living room
close to my collection
of Eiffle Towers
so he felt at home!

Just one bloom on its own is stunning
and three blooms are
tres magnifique!
This wonderful rose
produces beautiful blooms
from Spring through to Autumn.





General Gallieni
is a tea rose
bred by Nabonnand
in 1899.
Named after the French General
Joseph Gallieni
who served in the Franco Prussion war
and World War 1.
He was later
Governor of Madagascar.


I'm linking this post to
the following "blog parties"
"Show and Tell Friday" here
"Le Château des Fleurs" here
"A Place for Tea" here
"Miss Sew & So" here

Wishing all my friends a happy weekend
and thank you for visiting me,
I love your comments!!
Be kind to one another
Shane x


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