Our daughter slept here last night, a rare occasion in her busy life. Although she is now approaching 26 years old, I still feel the absolute sense of delight that this little dog experiences, to see that sleeping form in the morning. More important than any material things.Money cannot buy that feeling ,A beautiful painting , 'Time to Wake Up' by the English artist Charles Burton Barber (1845-1894).

If I had a tail, I would have wagged it like crazy this morning making the breakfast tray...and having served my time as a parent of an adolescent girl, I no longer have to "bark" orders to get up, get moving. To see her here makes me chase my tail with happiness. It's been fun, and a little oasis from the family stuff where Dad is very frail in so very many ways. Their move is complete. More later. Such beautiful comments you left recently. Thank you so much.

Not long now until the big move to a different place after 57 years. It will take place for my parents next week. It hasn't been the easiest of times this generational manouvering, this shuffling through emotions of "what's best" with and for a couple in their eighties. Everything seems to be strategic.Who is listened to - who feels they have not been heard. The emotions around possessions, discarding, keeping, and why. Must be hard for my Dad to let go of things, when he feels he is losing his mind. As the daughter, knowing when to tread gently, when to be firm. I am hoping "down the track" as we say in Oz, that Mum and Dad will be happy in their unit. Of course there will be a period of adjustment that everybody goes through when they move house, no matter what age or situation. Some factors though in this are a bit more challenging.

Dad had an acute heart attack days ago, was very confused, but thanks to fast work by the ambulance crew is in hospital, and appears to be doing well.The hospital system being what it is however, they are anxious to discharge him as soon as possible. The absolute escapism of Willow's Ball at The Manor was a welcome reprieve in the harsh light of reality at the moment. Thanks Willow. I'm sure many felt the same. Over 200 people sharing magical moments. We so very much need magic in our lives.

I am going to take a break for a while, get a few things organised. There are health issues of others to consider, as well as trying to get myself back on track. Last night I found out a friend had a double masectomy, and am still in shock at the suddenness, aggressiveness of this cancer - the time span between recent diagnosis, and the drastic outcome.She has my admiration. She is noble and strong.I will be back. I've wrapped up the memory of the whirl of visits after the cyber-ball in the palm of my hand, blown it away gently like soft dandelion drifts, and watched it dissipate into magical sparkles. Thank you dear friends for your company. All will be well.

Darlings, you have no idea the amount of preparation involved to get Kevin and I to the Seasonal Ball at Willow Manor http://willowmanor.blogspot.com/ Luckily I have a wonderful assistant in Roxanne, bless herTakes things totally under control, so that all I have to concern myself with is looking divine.

It was most unfortunate that Harry gave notice a while ago. Left me without a limmo driver for tonight, so for the past couple of days Clive has been flat-out interviewing potential candidates...and the position has now been filled. Must say I was pleased with the earlier run with the new driver over to Willow's this afternoon to drop off some things. The orchestra was just vacating the drawing room after practicing the opening number with that wonderful baritone BrynTerfel and who should I see sliding onto the vacated piano stool but Johnny Depp. "Don't tell Willow I'm here yet- have to go back into town, then I intend to return with " the grand entrance." he confided. Can't wait!Hurrying back home it occurred to me that Kevin should have arrived. Perhaps Charlie had forgotten to pick him up from the airfield, and overlooked the instructions for champagne on arrival. Hurrying inside, should have realized Charlie would have it all covered. That lad never forgets anything. Problem Amanda? Mr. Costner is resting by the pool but has bought the wrong jacket. You think it's wrong, he doesn't. Let's have a look at that on your phone. Doesn't look happy does he! No I don't like it either. Has he staff with him? Andrew? Get Andrew to arrange a black formal jacket...and tell him to hurry...

He better get it right. Time's getting away...

Now where is Kevin? Can I see him from the balcony? Aaah, there he is

down by the pool. Ah, the staff will get him organized. A
little wave - see you soon I have things to attend to...

Yes, pleased with that.Tonight will be...just...

...wonderful

All aboard the Poetry Bus...it's Poetry Monday courtesy of Totalfeckineejit at http://totalfeckineejit.blogspot.com/ Pick your photo from those supplied and write a poem. I've chosen the old guy in the middle, green bag.(click to enlarge). Oh God Mum, she said
They found Grandpa
Trying to rob the High Street Bank
With Josh's toy gun
In the Coles bag.

Was there a balaklava...mask? I gasped.
He thought, she sighs, Nan's sunglasses
Would do the trick.
What's worse, she said
Was his excuse.
I need the money
For the fare to Denmark
To see Princess Mary.
Now that Frederick's here
In Sydney
For the Masters Games
I reckon I'm in with a chance.

Reaching for the car keys
I know
It will be another long day.

Not long now... Willow at Willow Manor http://willowmanor.blogspot.com/ hosted this fabulous event last year and is preparing to do so again.Today I put down my gardening trowel, dusted off the dungarees, and chose my gown and shoes...because let's face it, I dance divinely and at this ball I'm an absolutely gorgeous size 10! Johnny Depp (much in demand last year) so beautifully requested a place on my dance card last October and how could I refuse..( he complimented me on the soft white gardenia in my hair if I remember, but I was a little tipsy with exquisite champagne), The catering was unforgettable, wine flowed and the music was divine. Shall I see you there? Oh, by the way, no postings this weekend, I shall be far too busy searching the most elegant of establishments for the perfect pair of earrings ,there's a manicure and pedicure to be arranged - before once more my toes long for the redochre dust of this lovely land Down Under. I shine. I flourish. I relish the magic and Tinkerbell sparkle. Bring on the fairy lights.

...I think I hear strains of the orchestra rehearsing as we speak.

Sepia Scenes posting for Wednesday. The little cottage where we used to live.

I've always loved cottages, warm and cosy, and there's nothing quite like a cottage garden. All that wicker chair needed was a cat, but as the crazy landlady said "A cat is strictly not in the lease". We did manage to guiltily share or borrow Dennis the Menace though, the cat from next door. He much preferred to be inside our cottage than out . Probably thought he'd get caught and made to return to his house. Furtiveness all round at No. 12. It's why outside, the chair's empty but inside warm hearts are full. Thank-you Dennis for making a stressful time in our lives with health and work, just that much more bearable, and while I share this photo from a while ago, we hope you're doing purrrrfectly well.

TFN challenged us recently to write a poem from one or more of ten photos he provided. The photos are at http://www.totalfeckineejit.blogspot.com/ Inspired by Willow's poem "Back Alley" http://willowmanor.blogspot.com/ I thought I'd give it a go...

NEIGHBOUR

"I watched them take off

In all different directions

That family" she said.

"And when the old man dies

Back they all come

From everywhere,

Alex from New Zealand!"

"You'd think" (arms crossed now)

They'd paint the peeling fence

Before they sold the house.

But that's just me.

Bet your bottom dollar

(she glances at No. 14 and nods)

It'll be Tom'll mow the grass"

Woke this morning to the most glorious Spring day!Sun shining at last...flowers blooming everywhere around the home...the flowers waiting for the bees to visit...Finally it feels like Spring has arrived......daisies are out..Missie Begonia is in fine form...Makes a person (or little creature)want to come out of their house and celebrate...and think, "I was over that cold season, bring on the warmth..." says Mowsie, who in mouse years is getting on...Another person who had a soft heart for little creatures...
(painting by Mark Sanislo)
Yesterday was the Feast Day of Saint Francis. Don't think he was too keen on steel-sprung mouse traps either.
My plastic non-violent one is out on loan yet again. Word gets around. I think it would have done a roaring trade in the monastary kitchen had it been invented.

Just because...Why? you might ask. Actually its Bench on Friday posting time, an informal meme of various benches, courtesty of RuneE at http://visualnorway.blogspot.com/ The fish on this bench has a tale to tell. Its a postcard from the Australian Museum Shop online at http://shop.australianmuseum.net.au/. The details read "Ethel King colouring a mounted specimen of a Queensland Groper (Epinephelus lanceolatos) 1926. Australian Museum archival image.

In 1925, the Fiji Government sent some fish to the Australian Museum to be mounted for the New Zealand and South Sea International Exhibition. The largest specimen was the groper over 2 metres long and weighing over 160 Kg. "The fish skin," and I quote from the site, "was fitted over a plaster cast and them coloured by Ethel King, a skilled artist.

Museums and benches are synonomous, and part of the Australian Museum is the Lizard Island Research station, located on the northern Great Barrier Reef, 270 km. north of Cairns in Queensland, facilitating coral reef research and education. On the benches at this Island, much valuable research takes place.
The Australian Museum is a New South Wales government agency with an international reputation in the fields of Australian natural history, cultural and indigenous studies and research. Each year over 13 million users visit the website.
If you'd like to find out more about Australia, this is the place to visit. http://australianmuseum.net.au