May already

Oops. Time got away from me there. Life goes on as usual, with not much to record here.
A couple of things from the last two weeks.
J's girlfriend, M, turned twenty-one and we attended her birthday party on an unseasonably warm and lovely late April night.
Her family home was beautifully decorated in tribute to the birthday girl.

The photo displayed above is on canvas and was one J's gifts to M.

J signing the birthday guest book.

The beautiful birthday girl.

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On the domestic front, I finished knitting Z's scarf. Photos when she models it for me.

I baked ANZAC biscuits.

and Honey Muesli Bars.

May is a glorious month. I've been simply astounded by the spectacular autumn foliage on recent walks. Can't get enough of it.

Quiet weekend

 Added "Les Mis" to my Penguin cloth bound collection.

 Enjoying this sunny corner.

 Made this scrumptious slice with leftover Easter Eggs. Recipe here.

His eyes have changed colour.

I was very industrious on Sunday and cleaned windows. This is a photo of our family room window with garden reflection.  

Raindrops on roses are lovely.

Colours and kitten

Bright colours in every room.

 

At last, the weather is becoming truly autumnal - very cold at night and in the mornings. The throw rugs are all out of storage and often in use in the evenings. Cosy.

 

Z asked me to knit her a scarf which, fortunately, is within my limited knitting abilities.

Of course, the kitten only wants to play with my ball of yarn and not the one he has permission to play with. Typical.

Supanova 2013

Over the past couple of years, my kids and I have attended many Scifi/fantasy conventions to meet celebrities and listen to them talk. We love them, but they can be very expensive and you always have to spend so much time standing (or sitting) in queues. Nowadays, we will only attend if there is a celebrity we really, really want to see. There was no way I was missing "Supanova" this year when one of my all-time girl crushes was going to be there.

Alex Kingston is gorgeous and friendly and funny, and totally worth standing in a queue for two hours to get an autograph!

My wonderful son accompanied his old mum on this outing and we had a great day. The event was run very smoothly and everyone is always so happy to be hanging out with like-minded nerds! We overheard some very long and interesting conversations between Doctor Who fans while waiting in line so time passed quickly.
Already planning our next convention. Hang the expense!

Lovely light, peaceful night

Beautiful bright sunlight filling our house on a gorgeous Autumn afternoon.

 

 

 

 

Followed by the perfect evening for soft lamplight and candlelight. 

A short work day today (9 to 1) and the same tomorrow. Plenty of time after work to do a few loads of washing and a general house tidy.
E rearranged her room again and left many bits and pieces she no longer wants in the living area for me to deal with. It's all either put away or thrown away now.
All the children are out tonight. Husband went to bed very early to listen to the radio. In other words, a fairly typical Friday night around here. My choices are to either watch some mindless TV, or make a selection from the above reading pile. Decisions, decisions.

Croissants and macarons and eclairs, oh my!

Where do I even begin with the French food? It was all delicious, all the time. We had never tasted such delectable pastries or such perfectly baked bread in our lives. Croissants, warm from the oven, were a must every day. The éclairs, filled with chocolate mousse were indescribably good. Boulangeries and patisseries are, of course, in abundance in Paris, including just around the corner from where we were staying in Montmartre. So many varieties of sweet treat, all so irresistible!

 

 

 

 

 

We went to "Laduree" on Champs-Elysees twice.  One day for a box of melt-in-the-mouth macarons, and on our last day in Paris for coffee and pastries.

We drank the best hot chocolate in the world at "Angelina" on Rue de Rivoli.

This omelette at Angelina.

Salmon fillet at 58 Tour Eiffel - the restaurant on the first level of the Eiffel Tower.

Baba au Rhum, again at 58 Tour Eiffel. I wasn't even sure what this was but had to try it in remembrance of my dad who would say "How about a rum baba?" when offering around a box of chocolates. I'm not even sure if he knew what it was! For the record, its a rum-soaked cake, and it was delicious.

Another best of the best - this Crème Brulee at Brasserie La Lorraine, Paris.

Madeleines.

Quiche Lorraine, salad and crusty baguette in our French apartment.

 

I truly doubt that I'll ever again consume such incredible food over such a short period in my lifetime. It was all just so good. We were so lucky to be able to live this indulgent lifestyle just for a little while!