Whale spotting on the Mornington Peninsula

School hols at the moment, so, we all went for a hike with our cousins

along the Mornington Peninsula from  Cape Schanck Lighthouse  to Elephant Rock - 

a two and a half hour walk return.  

I had learn't that it is migrating season for the whales at this time of the year ,

but I wasn't expecting to see any . ...that is until our little observant cousin, 

to my children, spotted a mother whale and her calf in the cove below, 

swimming alongside each other, the signature water spout observed every 

so often on close observation.  This was undoubtedly the highlight of our day.  

Our guess is that is was a humpback, but we can't be sure. 

What an incredible day, and so fortunate to see a whale and her calf , swimming playfully without a care, 

 in the deep blue waters of the Bass Strait. 

Cupcakes and tea

My daughter Camille and I enjoyed ourselves yesterday

making cupcakes...the type designed to help you lose weight??? (or maybe not)

We pulled out out all the little bits and pieces we would require ,

just stuff we have collected, fabric oddments, old lace, yellowing paper, beads.....

there is no limit to the imagination. Problem is, whenever I see these 

tasty looking  imitations of the real thing, I feel like cooking

and indulging in  the real thing. They look so pretty sitting on my dresser though.

Must remember to put them out of sight when my little nieces next visit!

A much overlooked but essential topic in these modern times.

Please take an eco calculator test    my friends. This is just one of many that can be found on the net and are readily available to take if you so choose.
My personal footprint is 1.53 planets, on this particular site,and that is still high for my liking even tho' I 'm doing all the rights things I possibly can.
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I've caught the knitting bug.....

I admit, I've had the knitting bug of late...it must be that time of year.

I find nothing more pleasant than cosying up on the lounge, with the heater

going while hearing my needles clicking away. I finished my scarf in soft grey mohair,

worked in feather and fan pattern, and also this cardigan that was once a jumper.

Made of the softest lambswool, it is so warm but light to wear. But I don't like

jumpers...I find them restrictive. And it would be a shame to see this one go. So,

I cut the jumper in half at the front to where it meets the buttons, and applied a lace trim

to cover the edges, repeating this on the cuffs also. Once a rarely worn item,

is now worn almost everyday, and is one of my favorites. Doesn't hurt to think beyond

the obvious, imagine and re-invent. Keys to successful recycling.

I so like hand knitted garments. They are so opposite of what can easily bought
made  by some impersonal machine. A hand knit garment, is one made out of love and care
- you can almost smell it . A properly made garment , made of the best quality wools
will last a life time so, although it may take some time to knit, it is time worth spending.

A little bit of magic to keep the home hearth burning.

We have a very old garage, where I set up this little tableau.

I love the inside of this small forgotten building....all rustic , old brick walls

and exposed beams. Spiders galore, happily residing under the roof.

I like it that way. Infact , I feel guilt when I clean the cobwebs from

inside the main house. When I think of  the harmless little spiders that have

carefully constructed their homes within

our own home. Let them be I say, never mind what the visitors think.

So, I put my little handmade matchbox home in the spiderly garage,

and lit a candle in honour of  'the home'.....big and small.

It will come in good use each time we light the fire this winter.