Mark, Bella and I would like to wish you all and your families a happy and safe festive season, where ever you are on this beautiful planet
Much love and hugs xx
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
The Post Office - SUCKS!
Big time. Urgh. I do the right thing and make beautiful Christmas card greetings, admittedly out of paper and not out out cardboard. So much better for the environment, but alas not for the pocket.
Lady at the PO (Yes I am going to diss the Messenger...she wasn't a very nice messenger) - "Its not a card, its a letter", while flopping card envelope around and looking up at it under the light.
Me - "Well actually it is, its home made, from paper"
Lady at PO - "Nope its paper, it will be classed as a letter and that is $2.20 each, you cannot use the card only rate of $1.30"
Me - "Urgh I have 45 to send, seriously its a card, its just home made from paper - not card, surely it will cost less to send, save Australia Post money, it weighs less too, environmentally friendly and all that"
Lady at PO - "You can try send them as a card - but they might bill you later for the difference if they think its not a card"
Me - "Ok I will then"... and I did!
Surely, it will cost them more to bill me for each letter - should they pick them out of the billion that are going through at this time of year - then send me the bills seperately for the difference in postage. Me thinks they are going to not notice, and nor should they who ruled a card MUST be made of a card. Pft.
Lady at the PO (Yes I am going to diss the Messenger...she wasn't a very nice messenger) - "Its not a card, its a letter", while flopping card envelope around and looking up at it under the light.
Me - "Well actually it is, its home made, from paper"
Lady at PO - "Nope its paper, it will be classed as a letter and that is $2.20 each, you cannot use the card only rate of $1.30"
Me - "Urgh I have 45 to send, seriously its a card, its just home made from paper - not card, surely it will cost less to send, save Australia Post money, it weighs less too, environmentally friendly and all that"
Lady at PO - "You can try send them as a card - but they might bill you later for the difference if they think its not a card"
Me - "Ok I will then"... and I did!
Surely, it will cost them more to bill me for each letter - should they pick them out of the billion that are going through at this time of year - then send me the bills seperately for the difference in postage. Me thinks they are going to not notice, and nor should they who ruled a card MUST be made of a card. Pft.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Headspace or headcase?
Probably both to be fair. I appear to be only able to concentrate properly on one major hobby or interest at a time, and oddly I am at my most relaxed and at peace when doing this despite the frustrations that rear up suddenly every now and again with me thinking that I actually have twenty odd things that I should be doing. Then I just go "phah!" - and continue to plod on doing singular item of interest and be blessedly happy and relaxed.
So at the moment, I am not doing terribly much photography wise - though I purchased a shiny glossy photography mag over the weekend for which I have had no time to yet devour - nor am I doing house stuff, or much reading, or much keeping in touch with people. I am however doing rather well at work and am slowly but surely removing stodgy, stubborn layers of lardons off my body with my excessive walking and exercise routine. If you haven't guessed it my current, hmmm, lets just call it obsession rather than interest, is that of exercising.
I am reading a book, nothing unusual there, except that since arriving back in Australia I have read a total of 5 books - which is rather rubbish given I used to read one a week, which makes me about 40 books down of my usual tally. Oh and I read 3 of said books in one week on the houseboat! Though am not reading War and Peace, or anything remotely taxing, but something called Last Night at Chateau Marmont by the chicky who did Devil Wears Prada.
I feel that I am making some progress on doing more than one thing at a time as I have begun arranging Christmas cards, the Christmas tree is up and several presents have been purchased. Humm appears my taking some time out to tend to this rather under nourished blog has made me see that all is not as bad as I first thought and I am getting stuff done. Wow - go me. Phah.
Oh I have just remembered that I finally got around to visiting a long lost friend on the weekend (its only been um 2 years - love you Mel) and I cooked on the weekend too. I make a very delicious, and very requested, chocolate Tiramisu. Oh dear, its seems I am now a headcase because I thought I had no headspace... off to write some lists........
So at the moment, I am not doing terribly much photography wise - though I purchased a shiny glossy photography mag over the weekend for which I have had no time to yet devour - nor am I doing house stuff, or much reading, or much keeping in touch with people. I am however doing rather well at work and am slowly but surely removing stodgy, stubborn layers of lardons off my body with my excessive walking and exercise routine. If you haven't guessed it my current, hmmm, lets just call it obsession rather than interest, is that of exercising.
I am reading a book, nothing unusual there, except that since arriving back in Australia I have read a total of 5 books - which is rather rubbish given I used to read one a week, which makes me about 40 books down of my usual tally. Oh and I read 3 of said books in one week on the houseboat! Though am not reading War and Peace, or anything remotely taxing, but something called Last Night at Chateau Marmont by the chicky who did Devil Wears Prada.
I feel that I am making some progress on doing more than one thing at a time as I have begun arranging Christmas cards, the Christmas tree is up and several presents have been purchased. Humm appears my taking some time out to tend to this rather under nourished blog has made me see that all is not as bad as I first thought and I am getting stuff done. Wow - go me. Phah.
Oh I have just remembered that I finally got around to visiting a long lost friend on the weekend (its only been um 2 years - love you Mel) and I cooked on the weekend too. I make a very delicious, and very requested, chocolate Tiramisu. Oh dear, its seems I am now a headcase because I thought I had no headspace... off to write some lists........
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Row, Row, Row.... your houseboat!
The boat at the first base camp!
What a gorgeous day!
Sunset and Fishing - girls and boys happy!
River view
Sunsets.... perfect one day
Even better the next
Me in the gorgeousness of it all
Pretty desert succulent
Bonfire - all the better for marshmallows
Yabbie...such a poser
Red cliff reflection
And the cliffs
Post cooked Yabbie
Not so photogenic now are you Mr Yabbie
Quote Me...
Just in a book I read recently, so its not a direct quote as I cannot remember it all - but along these lines, as requoted by me;
"Beauty is truth, truth is beauty, but that is not really true as the truth is can be ugly and hurtful. Beauty is just that, beautiful. As for the truth its the reality"
"Beauty is truth, truth is beauty, but that is not really true as the truth is can be ugly and hurtful. Beauty is just that, beautiful. As for the truth its the reality"
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Oliver's Royal Adelaide Show Day
The Royal Adelaide Show is an Adelaide icon, that rain hail or shine, Adelaidians get themselves and usually their entire families to at least once every couple of years during its 8 day long Spring showing. For those non-Aussies, non-South Australians, the Royal Adelaide show is a massive family event that encompasses a huge variety of fun for all families, young and old.
On arriving off Rose terrace, the massive iconic Ferris Wheel awaits you beyond the gates, with which you'll need a $20 ticket to pass through. First there is the childrens fair ground the the left and the adults to the right, with rides and carnival features galore, including a sling shot and other gut spining/slinging contraptions.
Towards the centre its fun fair food, complete with dagwood dogs (a hot dog bread battered on a stick dipped in tomato sauce), fairy floss (candy floss), curly fries, hot dogs, chips, toffee apples, donuts, ribs, corn cobs, pizza, pies, icecream and pancakes..mmmm. Mouth watering just to think about.
There is the poultry shed where prized chickens and pigeons hang out, the car pavillion containing the latest and greatest, the cow shed, the dairy (lots of yummy food to try out in there), theres pigs, a childrens farm with mini tractor rides for the kiddies and where they can pet piglets, chickens, lambs and baby cows. There is the reptile display, tractor display, a cat pavilion, dog pavillion (with dog showing/competions daily), bunny rabbits, a flying pig display, wood chopping competitions, pie eating competitions, minature trains, wine and cheese tastings.
Towards the back is a large oval with seating for the grand parade, car dare devil displays (Ford and Holden utes battle it out), motor bike stunts, dog agility displays and the evenings grand finale of a massive fireworks display which is scheduled every night.
Whew...but there is more, the other side of the show grounds, contains yet more food stalls, Italian, Thai, Chinese you name it and two large pavilions with everything from fashion parades, Banana's in Pajama's , a fire truck, ambulance, orchid displays, wood carvings, photography, home wares (like a massive home show too), and many more stalls selling everything from rain water tanks, to jewellery, to cards, candles, bubbles, make up, garden features, even canoes were on offer.
The other massive hall contains show bags. Show bags, contain any manner of good things - bags and bags of sweets (candy) and chocolate and bad things, rubbish toys that break after one use. But they range from $2 for one with just a few chocs and sweets up to $60 with branded Coopers beer paraphernalia. Its mostly aimed at children with Hot Wheels, Toy Story, Dora and Wiggles all having a branded bag at the show with toys and sweets. This was always my favourite part of the show and had much delight in saving up as much of my pocket money as I could to ensure that I could get as many showbags as I could hold to take home.
Well that is the show, but what about our day at the show. Firstly it was possibly a the most hideous Spring day that I've seen in while, with lots of rain, torrential rain at that, gale force winds and even power outages. Rides were stopped, show attendance was down, but it didn't stop us.
On arrival after easily getting a park at my work, which fortunately is just nearby, Oliver kept asking "are we there yet...", every 20 metres only to be completely delighted on seeing the Ferris wheel and proclaiming that he simply must go on it. Too cute.
We waited for the other family members to arrive then headed on in, to stuff our faces with dag wood dogs before heading round to check out the cars and chickens first. We didn't want to get too far away as Oliver was keen to get to see Banana's in Pyjamas in the main pavillion, after then we wandered around, chatted with Scobby Do, checked out the Ambulance ( the card board cut out of which Oliver would not let anyone touch) and started the Yellow Brick road (its a show bag that takes you all over the show to collect goodies and food along the way).
On heading outside we noted the weather had turned, it was just grey when we arrived and we were fighting heavy rains and whip you down winds to get around the show. We rugged Oliver up in Mark's rain coat and plodded on. We picked up chocolates and honey, yogurt and bread, we watch snakes in the reptile hut, we patted the lambs, drove on tractors (Oliver did), patted bunnies and saw the dogs. We ate some more - toasted cheese sandwiches, before deciding that it was nearly time to call it a day.
The most important bit then was the show bags. Super exciting for Oliver who wanted to go a bit nuts in there, but on getting his Hot Wheels show bag, and several toys was suddenly much more delighted to stay longer, so while the others went home we wandered some more. We watched an amazing show of clothes made to look like flowers, ate donuts and went on the Ferris wheel finally.
The weather had cleared a little, but unfortuately when it was our turn on the ride the heavens opened and we went spinning around in rain, all in good fun. One final go on sideshow alley for Oliver and we headed towards the exit loaded with our goodies. Who says you cannot have fun in the rain!!?
Entrance to the show
Towards the centre its fun fair food, complete with dagwood dogs (a hot dog bread battered on a stick dipped in tomato sauce), fairy floss (candy floss), curly fries, hot dogs, chips, toffee apples, donuts, ribs, corn cobs, pizza, pies, icecream and pancakes..mmmm. Mouth watering just to think about.
There is the poultry shed where prized chickens and pigeons hang out, the car pavillion containing the latest and greatest, the cow shed, the dairy (lots of yummy food to try out in there), theres pigs, a childrens farm with mini tractor rides for the kiddies and where they can pet piglets, chickens, lambs and baby cows. There is the reptile display, tractor display, a cat pavilion, dog pavillion (with dog showing/competions daily), bunny rabbits, a flying pig display, wood chopping competitions, pie eating competitions, minature trains, wine and cheese tastings.
Meeting and greeting Mr Scarecrow
Towards the back is a large oval with seating for the grand parade, car dare devil displays (Ford and Holden utes battle it out), motor bike stunts, dog agility displays and the evenings grand finale of a massive fireworks display which is scheduled every night.
Whew...but there is more, the other side of the show grounds, contains yet more food stalls, Italian, Thai, Chinese you name it and two large pavilions with everything from fashion parades, Banana's in Pajama's , a fire truck, ambulance, orchid displays, wood carvings, photography, home wares (like a massive home show too), and many more stalls selling everything from rain water tanks, to jewellery, to cards, candles, bubbles, make up, garden features, even canoes were on offer.
Delighted with his showbag
Well that is the show, but what about our day at the show. Firstly it was possibly a the most hideous Spring day that I've seen in while, with lots of rain, torrential rain at that, gale force winds and even power outages. Rides were stopped, show attendance was down, but it didn't stop us.
On arrival after easily getting a park at my work, which fortunately is just nearby, Oliver kept asking "are we there yet...", every 20 metres only to be completely delighted on seeing the Ferris wheel and proclaiming that he simply must go on it. Too cute.
We waited for the other family members to arrive then headed on in, to stuff our faces with dag wood dogs before heading round to check out the cars and chickens first. We didn't want to get too far away as Oliver was keen to get to see Banana's in Pyjamas in the main pavillion, after then we wandered around, chatted with Scobby Do, checked out the Ambulance ( the card board cut out of which Oliver would not let anyone touch) and started the Yellow Brick road (its a show bag that takes you all over the show to collect goodies and food along the way).
Tractor rides
On heading outside we noted the weather had turned, it was just grey when we arrived and we were fighting heavy rains and whip you down winds to get around the show. We rugged Oliver up in Mark's rain coat and plodded on. We picked up chocolates and honey, yogurt and bread, we watch snakes in the reptile hut, we patted the lambs, drove on tractors (Oliver did), patted bunnies and saw the dogs. We ate some more - toasted cheese sandwiches, before deciding that it was nearly time to call it a day.
View from Ferris Wheel
The weather had cleared a little, but unfortuately when it was our turn on the ride the heavens opened and we went spinning around in rain, all in good fun. One final go on sideshow alley for Oliver and we headed towards the exit loaded with our goodies. Who says you cannot have fun in the rain!!?
Awaiting B1 and B2
and there they are...
Flower costume...humph, interesting
The sandcastle dinosaur
"Ohhh can we go on that!" The Ferris Wheel
Oops and down came the rain on the Ferris wheel
Sideshow Alley...
Checking out the Ambulance
Yo Scooby!
"Does this celery make my head look big?"
British bulldog in the Dog halls
"Look how big I am.... not"
Bella's First Day at the Beach
Since Mark's Mum has now moved to Seaford, mere minutes from one of South Australia's finest beaches, well actually they are all pretty good, but Moana is a particularly nice one. Aldinga and Seacliff are my favourites....whoa getting off topic.
Anyway, we were down there for lunch - delicious by the way Mum, fantastic homemade lasagna - and since it was a gorgeous and warm Spring day we popped over to the beach so Bella could have her first beach day. Unprepared as we were, there was no puppy swimming, though of course as Bella only under went surgery for her girly bits to be removed on Thursday, it wasn't an option anyway.
She was a bit hesitant at first, you could just see her little face go, "what is this squishy stuff, its not solid how do I walk?". I totally understand, I myself simply cannot walk on sand to save my life. She loved it, tried to escape and run along the beach too.
Anyway, we were down there for lunch - delicious by the way Mum, fantastic homemade lasagna - and since it was a gorgeous and warm Spring day we popped over to the beach so Bella could have her first beach day. Unprepared as we were, there was no puppy swimming, though of course as Bella only under went surgery for her girly bits to be removed on Thursday, it wasn't an option anyway.
Car Trip... she slept most of the way there and back..
Moana from the car... almost there
Ah water, let me at it....
Family, Mark, Saroeun, Scott, Jess and Chris (much to his dismay)
Mummy and Bella
Looking windswept...
Longing look down the beach, "how far can I go..."
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Lisa Luyten - Photographer...
Yep that's right, I am proclaiming myself officially a photographer. A part time professional photographer. Is that too premature? Well possibly but you know what if you try and don't succeed you at least tried. I now have a facebook fan page too and I am definitely going to do more work. Above are photos from my most recent shoot, and I am very chuffed by them. Yeah me!
The next step is to advertise for a model, make up artist and stylist for a shoot. Baby steps still though, just need to keep taking photos, that is the only way to improve.
Wish me luck and cross your fingers....
Ps at least you know I have been busy in my gross misconduct of severly failing to keep this poor blog update, I promise to be better.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
What a busy life!
Me, well not really. Yes and no. Quite different to living in London - dinners out, birthday drinks, random drinks, random events, bands, quick catch ups, concerts, theatre, birthday dinners, celebrity sightings, opera, ballet, parades; all in any one week and any day of the week.
Even a run home was an adventure; through St James's park, wave to the Queen at Buckingham palace, up Pall Mall, across Regent street or near Leceister Square, past Oxford street, up Tottenham court road to either Warren street station or if I had the energy just that bit further to Euston station - toot toot.
Here, well Monday night, Anne is over for a walk and dinner - we're well fed here, Mark has all his tools and has gone cook book crazy. Then Tuesdays is quiet night, or gym night...though the gym, well lets not talk about the gym, it makes me grumpy.
Wednesday night can get busy, usually its pub night, or if Dad is home he is over for more of Marks fabulous cookery, and of course my amazing desserts. Seriously nobody does Tiramisu like me (ummm. ok maybe Cristina....but she is Italian). At the moment its puppy school night. Thursday is usually quiet, again meant to be gym night, but alas we've usually been up to something. Fridays, footy night, night with Matt, Emma and Scott or lazy take away night (again this doesn't help my paunch), but lately its been going out to dinner night.
Saturday nights...zzzzzzzzz, well pretty quiet unusually so, for us....
BUT that will change when the weather is warmer. Fortunately we don't have long to wait, it is July, almost August, September will bring the warmer days and then....well it will be warm right through till at least the end of April. So I will gloat here now that I will enjoy and do very much enjoy the warm and sunshine that I will be blessed with...for 7 months of the year. This is to make up for the very different lifestyle that I now lead, by choice and I am glad that I am being kept busy.
Its only been 4 months back, I am allowed to grieve a little, mainly for those dear that I leave behind, but sadly I was always going to leave them. Boo hoo. Anyway, as I say, its not bad...its just different.
Even a run home was an adventure; through St James's park, wave to the Queen at Buckingham palace, up Pall Mall, across Regent street or near Leceister Square, past Oxford street, up Tottenham court road to either Warren street station or if I had the energy just that bit further to Euston station - toot toot.
Here, well Monday night, Anne is over for a walk and dinner - we're well fed here, Mark has all his tools and has gone cook book crazy. Then Tuesdays is quiet night, or gym night...though the gym, well lets not talk about the gym, it makes me grumpy
Wednesday night can get busy, usually its pub night, or if Dad is home he is over for more of Marks fabulous cookery, and of course my amazing desserts. Seriously nobody does Tiramisu like me (ummm. ok maybe Cristina....but she is Italian). At the moment its puppy school night. Thursday is usually quiet, again meant to be gym night, but alas we've usually been up to something. Fridays, footy night, night with Matt, Emma and Scott or lazy take away night (again this doesn't help my paunch), but lately its been going out to dinner night.
Saturday nights...zzzzzzzzz, well pretty quiet unusually so, for us....
BUT that will change when the weather is warmer. Fortunately we don't have long to wait, it is July, almost August, September will bring the warmer days and then....well it will be warm right through till at least the end of April. So I will gloat here now that I will enjoy and do very much enjoy the warm and sunshine that I will be blessed with...for 7 months of the year. This is to make up for the very different lifestyle that I now lead, by choice and I am glad that I am being kept busy.
Its only been 4 months back, I am allowed to grieve a little, mainly for those dear that I leave behind, but sadly I was always going to leave them. Boo hoo. Anyway, as I say, its not bad...its just different.
The Orange Country - Holland
Cafe in Arnhem
Autumn leaves on the water, Amsterdam
Bicycles...yep Amsterdam
Monday, July 05, 2010
What I lack for with words....its here in pictures...
Norton Summit
Mist through the trees, near Norton Summit
Norton Summit
Norton Summitt, must say this is a fav...
Cyclists on the road up to Mt Lofty, Adelaide
PS All photos are for sale, prices on application
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