A Wintry Day

Well blow me down !!!! Or was that just the high winds in the mountains once again. Had to slow down on the road on the way back from a housesit on the Bells Line of Road to visit the in-laws and had to stop behind a long line of cars. What now?? Over the last year we've have many stops on this road, with pot holes being filled, tree trimming by the electricity people, whole sections re-tarred, new line painting, electric people again - replacing poles and then this time, cleaning up the remnants of yet another tree which decided to lay it;s life on the line - LOL - and lie across the road to try and trap the unwary motorist. Alas, poor tree - you were reported by a vigilant local ! No laying down on the road and resting when you could be someones firewood. Never fall down here where it's been freezing cold and the locals trying to keep warm - you gave them what they wanted - your fine bark upon their fireplaces :)

The heaters are cranked up high and by the smell in the air and the pervading mist of smoke, many fireplaces must be burning brightly in the hearths, thus keeping their owners warm. I love the clicking sound of my own oil heater as it hums along keeping my toes toasty and my brow sweating. LOL. Sometimes I think his Lordship likes being hot - never mind warm. I sometimes think that too hot equals getting sicker quicker, because when we venture outside the brisk wind and icy air sucks the breath out of us and chills us to the bone.

At least the wintry weather is kind to my lavender plants. Have four different types in this collection of twelve and they look good for much of the year. The deep hues of purple come out during Winter. Nice to look at and even better to smell. And the decline of bees although noticeable in the mountains seems not to be too effected within this patch.

A little break between 'sits' and work and so we are busy mending and erecting new fences for parentals, visiting friends, parents, children and grandchildren and tending to the needs of some of our relos who are not in the best of health at the moment. News of births encourage - a little girl for Shiri & Lloyd, a little boy for Rebecca and another grandson to come for me before the year is ended.

And of course, I have to write and let you join in :))

Life goes on and so do we. Enjoying the moments.

Miles of Smiles - Lady Di

Another Winter's Day in the Life of Aussie Lord Stephen and Lady Di of Glencoe

Well, its a Monday and you know what they say about Mondays. Tis the day that the working week starts and any people love to take a sicky. Well I have been sick for a while so am sitting on the lounge writing whilst my grandson watches the television and plays with the end of the vacuum cleaner.

Laird Mason on his new transport mode :))

Am in the Blue Mountains of NSW today and its wet, misty and freezing cold. I have his littlest Lairdship sitting on the floor of our cabin watching Zigby - a cartoon on the television. He was standing at the glass doors looking out. I had only just finished wiping the windows down of moisture - its warmer inside so the window is streaming with condensation - that;s how cold it is. As the Laird (who is 20 months old) says - whydo pupdogblahblah grr - I think that means Why can;t I go outside with the dogs? LOL

Just looked up from the keyboard to see him kissing he television characters. LOL. He is a funny little man. I don;t usually like the television being on to keep children amused, but we aren't in a house so there isn't room to run about much but have allowed it to remain on to keep him amused while I do a bit of blogging.

From my doorway. Wet, Cold & Misty

I have some new puzzles that have shapes and automobiles for him to work out - it's working too. We have one of those old fashioned sketchographs - now that has been entertaining! He loves scribbling and using the shapes stamps on that.

Newest Blogger

Had to stop doing my sewing cause little fingers want to help me ll the time, and I have to watch he doesn't pull out my wireless internet connection again. Gosh he keeps me busy. His Lordship is busily making some metalwork flowers and animals for a nursery. They're are looking good and apparently sell well. Its freezing in the workshop, his Lordship has a fire going in there but says his right hand is freezing. Has a heap of left hand gloves - cause they don't wear away as quick as the right handed ones. Happens when you're dealing with hot metals.

How could I not love Laird Mason? Blowing a kiss to Nan.

Still waiting on his Lairdships little brother's arrival. He obviously is waiting his full 'cooking' time in Mummies tummy. His Lordship and I are eagerly awaiting the safe arrival of our newest grandson and can't wait to show him off to you all, and of course get in for a cuddle. Hope his temperament is like his brother's. Have told my son and daughter in law, I am happy to have as many grandkids like this one as they wish to have. LOL

 

Climbed through the bottom rails, I thought he would get stuck (saw ready to cut him out it not), stood up and grabbed the other stool off me as I was putting it near the table, so put it on top and got this cheeky grin :))

Going to http://www.highlandtitles.com/ to purchase two new plots for the newest grandsons :)) Laird Mason and Laird ?? Why don't you do the same for your grandchildren and purchase a tree for it as well. Help reforest Glencoe Highlands. A truly unique and wonderful gift for anyone, even yourself.

Well it's almost sleep time for his Lairdship, he is starting to be a little naughty - something he does when tired - touch stuff he knows he isn't to touch and doing sleepy boy things - so it's bye from me for now.

:))) Lady Di

What Does One Say ??

I had a friend ask me yesterday about my 'Title", to which I asked what would you like to know? She then asked 'Well, how did you became a Lady?'

Of course I stated - I've always been a Lady as this was found out at my birth !!

You know there's a couple of differences when a child is born - it's a BOY or it's a GIRL !! That's the way announcements go. Well, she spat a little of her coffee, not LadyLike I'm afraid, and belted out a belly laugh, another not so LadyLike thing to do. After her little splutter and cough we chatted about the title. I told her about my mother in law being born in the Highland Barracks as her father was one of the Queens Guards throughout the 1930's. My friend was so impressed, after I told her the title was placed upon my grandfather-in-law. After ummming and ooooing, I couldn't keep from smiling myself. The story about Grandad is very true, alas the Ladyship and Lordship he passed along was not.

   I thought I would add a recent portrait of myself here :))

 

i CAME CLEAN HERE.I showed her my papers, and explained how I inherited a title upon purchasing a plot of land in Scotland, thereby becoming a Scottish Landowner. With our plots of land, we are able to plants trees helping our 'scottish roots' take hold in a grand way. What other way can we help our future 'children' if we do not look after our Earth, and restore the highlands to their former glory?

Terribly impressed, she asked when we visited our land last. I was able to show her photos on the internet - thank you Lords and Ladies of Glencoe. My pictures included my pets, and forbears, and the remnants of our castle :)

 

My Pet - 'Coe'  

A portrait done of my highland cattle

I have added some 'family' portraits here so you can see what glorious lineage I come from.

Jane's possible portrait

Our highland cattle has eaten everything but a few sods of earth. We purchase a special tree every year, to be placed on the highlands, and each time it's in one of our families names. Quite some time ago, both my Lordship and myself FOUND WE do come from titled persons, alas they did not pass them down to us the right way as there was problems in the past. Lord Stephens great Uncle Harold's Grandmother 'Jane' was a titled Lady herself. Though she was never known as such. Back in the years gone by, when a child was born early - now known as premature - that child was deemed to be born on the wrong side of the blanket - and possibly illegitimate and not the child of the supposed sire. I believe after the death of the original Lord, the first born son and the second and only other child born entered into a family dispute. This dispute ended up with all entailed being taken by the Chancellory, and the titles died with the parent.

 

As you can see - this castle is in good repair

Alas this castle is not - not even anywhere near me :))

Lord Stephen of Glencoe my Lordship

Not the reason for becoming Lord and Lady H though. I found a website by chance after looking up or what I call trying to find the Scottish roots of Steve and myself. I thought what a great wedding anniversary presie for His Lordship !! Always one for unusual or presents that one would not necessarily buy for oneself person, I deemed this to be perfect and went on to purchase same for myself - another little story there - joint anniversary presies - and one plot for Lord Nathan, Lord Brendan, Lady Kobe and little Laird Jordan :))) Usually I send Lord Steve up in the air in a Helicopter Lesson, or a Portrait (cartoon like) of him sitting on his motorbike, with one of our Schnauzer pups behind him, sword in hand and a cheesy grin, and the latest - a trip and luxury stay (c/-coupon buying - the canny Scot in me)  to the Great Ocean Road.

Me as a wee Lass

 

 

So Ladies, Lords and Lairds of Glencoe - What do you tell the people who ask you ?? I would love to see your written responses - so go ahead and add them here for all to see. It's actually a GREAT story to be told to all.

 

Many smiles - Lady Di

 

Another Laird of Glencoe is almost BORN !!!

How lucky am I? Lord Steve and I  have two beautiful grandsons and a third is on his way. No secrets here - my family (brothers included) are destined to be male dominated. My eldest brother and his wife have one son - probably thought that was enough and stopped. My own family consists of two boys and then lucky me, I had me a girl. My youngest brother has six - yes that's right - 6 boys!!! And now my own children look destined to follow suite. My father was one of three boys and Mum one of two girls, so you would think there would be some fairness and sharing of sexes. That is, at least some girls would come about - alas - like myself, there is one female per generation. My youngest son Lord B, has two boys - both pictured, and suprise, suprise, there is another little boy is about to be born - scan pic below.  He is coming to us next month! Hopefully in the future Lady K and her Navy Hubby ( he promises me all Naval men have girls !!!) and Lord N and his partner will also fill our hearts and our homes with children, though I am quite happy to have three gorgeous Granddogs to love :)))

This is Laird Jordan or JB - my eldest grandchild, who at 6 - almost 7 (not till December 10th) Nanna. He loves everything his Daddy likes. That is cars and motorbikes. He also loves hats - again like his Dad, and has amassed an amazing collection of them and little cars. The picture below shows him in his bedroom at Dad's. I started him off with some pirate things, and he seems to have got carried away with those too....or more probably his Dad. LOL.  He loves coming to see his Daddy and I think his favourite food is Mcdonalds and other fastfoods though he does adore chocolate milk and icecream.

This cheeky little chap is MJ, who will be two on November 1st. His smile lights up any room, and his enormous blue eyes which are exactly like Mummies, are gorgeous. Not sure why the car is in his mouth, probably cause his Mum calls him motormouth :)) Always welcomes his Nan and Pa will a cuddle and kiss. Runs to the door and swoops on us - just lovely !! The photo above shows him in his element, he also loves cars and is always mucking around with Daddy while he paints and fixes up mini-trucks. Dad is like his own father - they both love motorcycles - seems to be a thing with all the males in my family! Think little MJ may talk his Dad into getting him a motorbike, quicker rather than later. This little man loves his food - anything at all - and everything is his favourite. The kind of kid everyone loves to have around too. If they can make more like him, I'll take six - LOL. .



This is the latest little man on the right in his latest scan. Due in August and we can't wait to meet him! We may not be able to wait, but mother nature says we have to, so we will wait till Mummy obliges. In this image he is waving to his Daddy LOL. Now I will have to get busy and design another quilt for this little fellow. Have pretty well decided on wild animals - what no tartan!!! I will have to get some Glencoe Tartan for my boyz, so if anyone knows where I can get some in Australia - can you let me know please?

I will have to purchase a little more land and makes these youngest two little Lairds of Glencoe too :) Must get onto one of my favourite websites below, again soon as this latest little fellow gets here - need his full name - I know part of it - but the middle name is a secret !!!

http://lairdoflocaber.com

http://lochaberhighlandestates.com

http://highlandtitles.com

Chat again soon - Smiles - Lady Di :))

Another Milestone - Around my Neck -- Happy Birthday Lady Di

Who said birthdays are fun? Some certain hubby rubbing extra year in face at every occasion - wait buddy cause you've only got a few more years till your next large milestone birthday - OKAY !!! Hear me buddy!! And I WILL write about it on my blog in October - hear me? Anyway at least he remembered and left my birthday presie I selected and laybyed for him to go get so he could say he bought it, only to have to go and pay and collect - then he leaves it in a drawer at my Mum;s home !!! So I did a little retail therapy of my own, some nice new sheets - in a lovely purple shade of course, chocys, oil burner, neck pillow and a yummy mega chocolate birthday cake later - I came home :))

Had just spent a couple of nights with my daughter as her navy hubby was away and had a little girl time with her and hubby just had to go to his sports club on Saturday - my birthday - so I said, go - stuff around and I will go visit my nephew and nieces (adopted by me by choice) and have a cuppa with their Dad as well, Mum was at work :(( shame that - we always have a great chinwag. Then the shopping where I bought an enormous amount of fruit and veg :)) Except when I got home and opened the apples - there was mega soft bits on them - shame veggie shop - shame !!

I had a presie from my bro and sisinlaw - gorgeous stuff she made me - decorated a bag, a triangular doorstop and a hand made wood and glass display for my wall :)) Thanks Nique & Baz. Funniest thing is - we are decorating the same bags :))) So much of our craft at the moment is exactly the same and we live hundreds of kilometres away from each other - amazing again that soe of the items are so close in making its scary lol

This pic is sooooo true LOL

My kids rememberd me this year too - thanx for the sms's - I am soooo worthy of them. Hubby came home and rushed off to have a shower - let's go out and have dinner and go to the movies - so I checked the movies - went through them and stated them out loud - nup not that one - his Lordship says - nope that;s a kids prgram - funny that since it's school holidays again - nup, nup, nope, oh yeah that one - Snow White and the Huntsman. Soooo grown up. So dinner we had - lovely steak and a beer at the pub - yep - the pub and then went to check in at the cinema - WT????? A two hour wait, so we headed back to the pub, which is closest to the cinema and waited for a bit before deciding that 9.25pm was another 1..25 hours away and journeyed home. Have tried again to see it - another two hour wait - must be my old bones - can't walk quick enough to get there so miss out LOL



I particularly like this one - thanx a lot!!

A great quote I like is - The best way to remember your wife's birthday is to remember it once !!

One I made up is - Your birthday lasts 366 days a year - as you never age a day till the next birthday !! Who goes around saying I am 50 years, 8 months, and three weeks and 4 days ???? So 50 for all that time is very good huh? And once you reacdh 50 you are legally allowed to go backwards My choice and I am sticking to it !!!



Am so lucky to have friends, personally, on Facebook and via my Blog. have have heaps of well wishes - it's been awesome - so thank you all very very much -  mwah !!!! Life isn;t so serious when you can chat to a friend. I wrote to a lady only a month or so ago - and feel we have a lot in common already. I know when I am writing I can share funny anedotes, stories and read what you say and hope I respond with care, lightheartedness, fun, concern and all the emotions I feel from your notes.





Well it's time to be off and enjoy another round of cr** on the television and then off to bed.. Am doing some craft whilst I 'watch; - can cope well that way. That's a noisy square shape with pictures flashing on and off in it - at the moment there is a cougar that just caught a large bird and is crunching on it - lovely - :( glad I have already eaten my dinner.......



Dee

A Storm's A Coming.....

hmmmmmm. Just heard on the news channel that the mountains of NSW are going to experience a storm. DER. The television is already mucking up, so we are getting our candles and torches to the ready. Water in the jugs - yes its electric but I have a gas stove and pans to boil water LOL.. And a large bucket or two of water for the loo cause that also requires water - funny that.

So have had dinner and a nice cuppa and might have to go to bed early, cause as soon as there is any thunder - the electricity will be turned off so as not to blow up all our electricals. That has happened before.

Only last week whilst  we were off enjoying ourselves the power went out due to trees falling on lines and an accident on the main road. Unfortunately that buggered up the fridge/freezer and we came home to a mess. A smelly trully awful mess, meat was soooo off and everything else in fridge disgusting too - luckily for us, garbage day was the following day. So there wasn't anything left to eat other than what we keep in cans, luck has it I have rice milk and that is in long life containers and hubby drinks his tea black :)) Have to make a claim on the insurance - about time I got something back after decades of payments.

These pics above were taken during and after the last been 'storm' we had. A carpet of white made it look like the Snowy Mountians instead of the Blue Mountains.

Going to investigate getting some more stuff for the puta and so I can blog more - you know it's old age - you know - the gigabyte thing. I only have 3 gigs a month and the way I am writing and using the computer I will need to increase it as soon as possible. Maybe I should send hubby to Telstra again as when he went today he got positive results after complaining of the 30 messages from Telstra saying his credit was less by the call, though they promised him a longer usage time. Although I reckon I can rock this little boat all by myself. I said to him, behave yourself and you get good results. LOL.  He came back and the first words to me were - I behaved myself and I got results. He was only gone 25 minutes too :)) So we are hoping in 21 days time we don't get messages all day long about running out of credit - cause I know he will do his block.

Going off so my puta lives to tell another blog tomoz

Nite all - Dee

Almost at the end of the Great Ocean Road Holiday

Ballarat to Bendigo via Daylesford and Hepburn Springs

Found a motel on the net - again through http://www.booking.com/ - great place to get great deals at the last minute. Pity there was no milk for a cuppa in the room though. No-one at the desk to ask for some - luckily I spot a petrol station next door - not that I like petrol in my tea - but they sell milk in cartons there - funny that . The visitor next door had his car over our car spot so we had to take up number 30's spot - luckily no one was booked in for the night. The motel looked quite different from the photo - in the morning we could see why - the newer suites were at the back . As it was pouring we reversed in to get our stuff out that we needed but didn't see the huge puddle of water laying in wait to get the unseeing. LOL. Wet slippers. Another cold and wet night. His Lordship was overly tired today. Wonder why with all the stopping, walking and playing tourists.

Found a few Patchwork shop addresses in the phone book and just had to go see a couple - or three planned for tomorrow:))

The first one I came to in Victoria Street was closed till 10am - forgot we were in the country, so we head off to the second one on the list, we can always come back later. This one closer to the centre of town in Mair Street.  Sovereign Needlework - Ballarat's largest supplier of 'Fine Needlework' was just opening and Elaine the owner for the past 12 months was checking that the log fire was going - just to keep the customers warm mind you. I was 'warmly' greeted and welcomed to browse around whilst she continued to open up. Lovely wools, fine fabrics and embroidery cottons of every colour imaginable hung on the walls. Great quilters patterns as well as ones for crochet, knitting and tapestries were strewn around the displays. I just happened to purchase a ball of wool for a scarf and another piece of fabric for my GORVQ (Victoria quilt) too.

His Lordship was busily checking a store two doors us - just something he had to do as it encompassed all the sports he loves.

Next stop was the store that was closed beforehand. We waited a little longer as it was still before opening time. The window display was very ecletic with Melly and Me patterns and all the latest fabrics. Beautifully done quilts, bags, toys etc around for display. The owner was busily tapping away on her computer. I did feel I was interupting her a bit when I asked questions - there was no-one else in the store so I thought it was okay. Purchased a couple of bits and pieces though I can't say I felt welcomed here.

My next stop was opposite an amazing church built from Ironstone where Lord S dutifully took some photos for me - the tourist thing - while I HAD to go into a store professing a SALE!! My goodness!! A sale!!!!   Isn't that just was a patchworker loves?

Eureka Patchwork :)))

Elizabeth cutting my fabrics

'The Selection!!!!'

Eureka Patchwork at the corner of Victoria Street amd King Street was calling me. I walked into the store and said 'Good Morning' to anyone who was listening as I always do. Alison was busily cutting and sorting fabrics behind one counter and welcomed me in. WOW - a glorious range of fabrics in all sorts of tonings, colourways and beautifully displayed fabrics that said 'pick me' 'pick me'! SO I did. I was told all fabrics were $20 a metre but they were having a sale and everything on display was now $15 a metre. Elizabeth the owner came out to greet me. What a wonderful lady. Showed me the latest collection of fabrics from Jenny Beyer, her secret stashes out back - as there wasn't anywhere else out front to put them, some fabrics in between and more. Elizabeth showed me a catalogue of the Stone Collection of fabrics coming in soon - very very noice :))

Elizabeth is trying to amass 2000 bolts of fabric for her store - and by the look of it is succeeding very well. A few dollars later pffffft, I have added to my Fabric Library some gorgeous things. Toy Fabric, some for my GORVQ and a little more LOL. Both some fabric for a gift too - just know the recipient will love the colours.

Thank you so much Elizabeth & Alison for being so genuine, warm and welcoming to this traveller :)) Check their website -  If you are looking for a particular type of fabric Elizabeth probably has it or knows where you can find it :))
Travel on driver !!!!

Drove on to Creswick where I thought I was going to see a craft store - called Lemon Tree Cafe - ok - some painting and produce on the walls but not quite the craft I was looking to see - by the way - wasn't all fabrics - I do love other crafts and already made ones :)) Right next door was Twin Needles - Embroidery & Patchwork Supplies where  the owner Elaine was telling me they produce their own Crewel Wools, Stranded silks and Organdy ribbons under the name Cascade House. Beautiful. I bought a pattern for embroidering a baby blanket with wools to match. I also got some ribbbon and fabric for the GORVQ.Well worth a visit either in person or on the internet.  http://www.cascadehouse.com.au/

By the way - I did not get anything for FREE at any of the stores I visited - just in case any of you are wondering why I am 'advertisng' for the stores I visit. I AM NOT - I am just passing on where I went on my travels and a personal view to what I see and hear.

Onwards to Daylesford where I had hoped to indulge in 'the waters' to help my ailing bod. But alas time was going quicker than our eyes and car. I perused some stores in Daylesford and found some lovely presies. The Tourist Information Centre was very helpful with their maps and displays. East to see where one should go and see and stay by looking at them. Very well done.

I found Threadneedle Craft in Vincent Street, Daylesford - the main street - where I was invited to look and ask for help should I need it - this gentleman's family lived in Newscastle and we had a quick chat on that topic as well as the type of fabrics he kept as that is what his local customers were after. Got three pieces of fabric for the GORVQ.

Next we stopped at Hepburn Springs - where I did not partake of the waters nor did I 'see' any springs. Might not have been looking in the right place, so next time :))

Up the hill a bit, the journey was starting to take a dark turn. I was laden with enough pills to keep a race horse from the track , that was doing little help to my pain wracked leg and back. Lord S stopped so I could stretch - it was less than 3/4 hour since the last stop - things were looking uncomfortable for the travel ahead.

Onwards towards Ballarat is the Chocolate Mill.

The Selection

A well built straw bale building greets the visitor with a pleasant entry garden. Within the garden is metalwork animals - Kangaroos, Echidnas and Emus. Inside there is a chocolate lovers haven. All made within the walls - this hallowed chocolate lovers paradise beckons.....take me home.....eat me now....take me home. Everything chocolate ...... Chilli, Fruit, Nut, Plain, Dark, White, Rum and sooooo many more. His Lordship and I selected a few chocolates and $17.50 later - 10 chocolates. Hot dark chocolate and mudcake we shared then left to venture on.

Looking for a motel room tonight with a bath tub as I really need to soak the bones. First one we found at Kangaroo Flat - his lordship went in to check - nope its already booked even though the computer link says it isn't - so onto look again - yep - found one - lets see. His Lordship comes back with a key - goodness knows what he has found as he isn't the most budget conscious person at times. Driving into a darkened area, reversing up - where the h is he going to I think. Opening the door - I thought - Honeymoon Suite - LOL. Well it is 35 years since we stayed at Bendigo. This time there is a huge king size bed that greets me at the door, with TV and dressing table to the left, a small wood dining table at the back with a kitchenette (no microwave though that's another  $15 for three nights the brochure states lol). I need to refresh myself - and kapow - there is a spa bath - thanks heavens you say - I did ask for a bath if possible -its a DOUBLE spa bath!!!! I hold my stomach and I laugh in hysterics!! Within 15 minutes I had my bag in the room and was sitting in that spa bath with a glass of wine and soft bubbles, blowing my cares away. My body was saying thanks.

Funny 35 years 3 months and 2 weeks ago exactly - our 'Honeymoon' of 3 days - we had $150 left in our bank account after Lord S's truck needed mechanical repairs the week before our wedding, this our livelihood - :( consisted of a caravan somewhere near Sovereign Hill and the cost of 2012's one night accommodation (gonna throttle him) was enough to pay (1977) for the petrol to travel, the caravan park we stayed at and where the heating consisted of a blow heater under the bed and our coats on top of the meagre blanket we were given, the attractions we saw - S.H. and Kryall Castle and the food we ate. But we did enjoy the sights of end of the Begonia Festival, the swans etc and the one small much treasured honeymoon souvenir - a Glass Blown Horse which was done for us whilst we watched and waited the craftsman to do.

Going off to plot the push onwards ....... Dee