NYE 2010

My mother had a saying, 'whatever you are doing at midnight you'll be doing all year long.' Not absolutely sure of the significance of the wisdom of those words but it is fair to say that she was indeed a wise person. I must exercise caution; if she meant that if you are happy at midnight then you'll be happy all year long then I'll remember to be smiling when the clock strikes twelve. The converse is if you are grumpy at midnight then that's the way you'll spend your next 12 months. As we are to share NYE with a group of twelve then I am a little anxious about the nautical attire that guests have been asked to consider. Personally I have decided to drag an old Book Week outfit from its wraps at the back of the wardrobe. My seaweed monster costume has been hidden in the wardrobe's gloom since 2003 and as you can guess it is not the prettiest number hanging on a coat hanger. It was hastily constructed from a piece of army green, fabric remnant that has a fringed gold, safety pinned, vinyl collar with shells sewn on the back and front. The whole original designer ensemble comes with a shell belt for good measure. I am truly sad to say that when I dined out for lunch yesterday that I asked the wait staff could I please have three of the scallop shells from our lunch. I explained that I wanted to make earrings for a NYE celebration but I perceived a glimpse of doubt at my request. She gathered herself quickly and enquired if I'd like a plastic container to take them home. Each shell has been soaked, washed and drilled for the purpose. The end result is that I am now the proud owner of the most ghastly earrings and pendant for tonight's dinner party. Michael has busily decorated a purpose bought straw hat for tonight and it looks how shall I say, 'fishy?' He plans to take the nautical tack of a fisherman. Kirstie has plans afoot to be a sailor with Stephen coming as himself. A pleasant evening can be expected!

The Barbecue Chef

I had asked Stephen to begin the barbecue for our dinner. I am not exactly sure what he was thinking but some say that a picture speaks a thousand words, so, perhaps I shall let the images tell this story. We were also having Moroccan orange and mint salad, avocado and cos lettuce salad and a mixed leaf salad too. PS. Note the Fromage hat a gift from the children as we ventured through Paris. If you look closely there is an apron that advertises paint products. Go figure. Was it the ensemble that made him have such a long face? Was it the heat from the barbecue? Was it the simmering barking of our neighbour's dogs? Sometimes it's best not to ask.

The French Wine Tasting in Oz

There was a gathering of family and friends yesterday to share some French wines. Kirstie, Michael, Anne, Gary, Stephen and I sat in what could loosely be described as 'in the cool' of the pergola. When four of the group were in France a visit had been made to the vineyard, cellar door of Antoine Simonceau where after several tastings wine was purchased. Sadly, we drank all but one bottle whilst travelling through France. The one remaining bottle travelled safely in our luggage all the way back to Oz. Since it was the only wine left we decided to make it an occasion to relax with family and friends. The L'Acacia Blanc was chilled whilst we sipped some French bubbles to set the mood for the afternoon. I was also keen to tempt our guests with cucumber rounds topped with horseradish and smoked trout along with an assortment of fruits and cheeses. Earlier in the day we had printed several hundred pictures of our holiday in Paris and Saint Aignan so there was also close inspection of the many snaps and photo albums. Those who could talk the talk did so using all of what I guessed was the correct terminology to describe the taste of the L'Acacia Blanc. The opinion of those assembled suggested that they were pleased with the wine's merits.

Christmas Day - Plus 2

Wednesday morning and it is beginning to look at lot like Christmas again. The rain soaked Queensland connection arrives for Christmas. Weather reports and Facebook comments tell me that the state is under siege from flood waters and persistent rain so I am guessing that we'll have some rather soggy guests arriving just after midday. The Christmas tree still stands to welcome them with gifts tucked beneath its decorated branches. However, a few more green, plastic needles have fallen to indicate that it is almost time to rest the enormous tree and return it to its box in the cubby until next year. This evening's dinner will be preceded by a platter of nibbles including horseradish on cucumber rounds followed by a rolled, pork roast with warming vegetables as it seems it is too cool for the planned Moroccan salads that were considered prior to the dismal weather. Others in the house are still sleeping, a benefit of the cooler weather along with respite from the energy sapping humidity that has been with us this summer. Well, let me tell you that one must add cream to the horseradish. Who knew that? Lucky that Michael is a chef. Some days you just get lucky. Helen and John joined us this afternoon for pre dinner munchies and drinks. Speaking of lucky and something completely random; when our visitors arrived from QLD they told us that the people who are minding their pets couldn't cross the flood waters to feed them. That might be bad, however, the minders also said that Kirstie and Michael have fish swimming in their driveway due to the flood waters. Perhaps the cats will eat fish for dinner until the flood waters subside.

Christmas Day Take 1 - The Tamworth Connection

Christmas Day marked the commencement of the celebrations where we came together with family from Tamworth. The traditional breakfast held over until gifts were distributed. It seemed that one of the family members had partied hard the night before and was a wee bit weary so such people were a little less energetic about the process than in previous years. None-the-less, a calm and interesting occasion. This year the creative gift thought goes to the Secret Santa who managed to source a 1932, vintage typewriter along with a text of how to write a book. Later the offerings of croissants, meats, cheese, fruit, juice and coffee completed the Christmas morning, family tradition where we sat to chat and comment further on personal challenges with the secret Santa gifting. However, in this day of technology one can contemplate the web as a fountain of information for discovering where one may purchase a ribbon for such an ancient typewriter. A quick online search revealed that indeed there was a location in England that claimed to be able to provide ribbons for every machine; so inquiry emailed to England. For those of you who are perplexed as to why one might prefer to type on an old typewriter that is seated on the desk, its new home, right beside a relatively new laptop. Keep thinking. Yes, it does have a key that sticks but I think that this adds to its character and charm. Should have a response from England after the holiday period. Wish that I had been more creative than the Italian dictionary for our trip to Italy next September. Next, a short walk to visit neighbours and to wish them a happy Christmas saw us return with a bounty of fresh produce from their garden. Thanks to John, our local neighbourhood 'green thumb.' Soon, time to prepare the lunch where Stephen had planned a menu of roasted, racks of pork accompanied by baked vegetables followed by pavlova for dessert. The weather was much warmer than expected and the pool was definitely an optional extra being considered. One should spare a thought for all of the people in Australia currently experiencing major flooding and who have had to withhold their celebrations. Cyclone Tash crossed the coast near Cairns earlier today so we may get a change of weather in a few days time as the rain heads down the eastern coast of Australia. Australia has had streets and entire towns where one could swim in their own loungeroom if indeed they still had one. More rain is expected. So it is a good day when one can sit with family and take time just to be together. P.S. I am excited re the prospect of reading Stephen's first chapter. Just hope that the typewriter can be ribboned before too long.

T'was The Day Before Christmas

What is a typical Australian family Christmas? I guess that it depends on the family. News of when family is coming and going advised weeks ahead, schedules and menus planned. Flights arriving, flights departing. Trains coming and trains going. Bedrooms free, bedrooms booked. In my case, mowing done, hedges pruned, driveways swept, shopping stowed and front doors painted. Whew. The day's expectations are beginning to come together and lists ticked to show that all is ready. Racks of pork and chickens are slowly defrosting for tomorrow's luncheon. Last loads of washing hung to dry; hopefully to foil the anticipated Christmas day rain. Fridges are swollen to avoid shopping expeditions over the public holidays and I can sit down for a cuppa' but before I do I must mention that today at the supermarket I saw a shop assistant wearing a Santa suit that was really flash. I coveted that suit and jealously wished that I had one just like it. Sorry Santa, does that make me naughty or nice?

White Ceramics

It is fascinating to watch the transformation of a wall once so pock marked with plaster a few hours earlier to now reveal a shiny, crisp, white surface gleaming in the sunlight. All this in a day! As renovations go the journey has been long and windy but the end of the road is in sight. The 'Navman' as I shall call him today for he has travelled all over and successfully sourced the metal trim for the joins and ordered more floor tiles to cover the shortfall. Today he is my hero. Hero status is short lived in blogger's world and so it is in this instance. My apologies to yesterday's hero. Stephen has made every effort to see this renovation completed and back in use. Every empty, tile box that is binned brings the completion of the en suite just a little bit closer. I actually enjoy collecting the empties so to speak. The trim black glass tile introduces a touch of elegance to the room. I shall endeavour to wait patiently for the arrival of the promised box of additional floor tiles but realise the need to wait for the New Year for the entire job to be completed since the tiler has other jobs also promised this week and the tile shortfall was beyond his control.

Hero For A Day

Today is the beginning of the end. Yay!!! The tilers are here. How wonderful. I've hoovered the gyprock dust thinking that that might impress them; not realising that they were to be laying concrete over the floor anyway. As I type two tilers are busy tiling the floor today. One tiler, Rick has hero status for he managed to remove the doors to the en suite despite all the years of accumulated layers of paint that I had applied over the hinges. I think that the task was really challenging for the hinges did not give up their screws without a fight. The other tiler, Dan managed to keep the front door open despite the broken door closing mechanism. Today is obviously my lucky day. However, I must type on, for I am so excited to see the stacks of tiles disappearing from the floor space in my bedroom. Empty tile boxes litter the carpet. What a beautiful sight. Both men have promised to return tomorrow when they will grout the floor and tile the walls and the face of the bath. It is starting to look a lot like Christmas.

To Do or Not to Do?

Some people cook, some people clean, some people shop to be ready for Christmas. Well, I plan to do all three. The morning coffee was taken on the terrace where plans were set afoot for the day. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Brisk walk by the river in town where it is hoped that we can pick up some croissants at the Vietnamese bakery, for breakfast on Christmas morning. I have to have some bribes after I wake the family. A short debate re freshness and all that before deciding that supermarkets kept croissants in their freezer section so we could too. Next item on the agenda - to pick a Christmas gift for each other. Too difficult to know what since we usually buy what we need throughout the year. First things first, clean the porch, poison the weeds, do the washing before going into town. Am I in the mood for Christmas yet? Possibly not, so keep going. Mop the tiles, now that's a buzz. But better than moping. As I sit and write my blog I note that the refrigerator is cluttered with messages dating back a year so until now I hadn't considered this to be a task to get ready for Christmas. However, given the visitors and the need to refrigerate everything in this weather probably not a bad idea to sort the accumulated reminders of appointments long past and telephone numbers of people now phoned. To do or not to do? I'll do. What do you do to get ready for Christmas?

The Last day

Friday was a busy to be so I woke just after 4:30 to get myself organised for the day. I had laid out my Santa suit the night before so that I'd be sure that there were no signs of Santa suit meltdown. When you only wear an outfit once or twice a year one should expect the occasional wardrobe malfunction. I was a little wary of the beard as when I had dragged the Santa suit bag from the cupboard I was covered in the whitest of fluff, presumably from a beard that was in the process of unravelling. (No doubt from the stress of Christmas past.) Next dilemma; should I wear the suit to work to avoid the issue of trying to change in the staff toilet without the benefit of a full length mirror? No. I was to be brave. I had decided to risk driving the 7 kilometres to work in the wild hope that I'd not encounter a policeman doing random breath tests or the like. As it is Summer the humidity is higher than comfortable for people donning the odd Santa suit; regardless I pressed on or more correctly I 'dressed on.' Gifts in the boot of my car and it was only a bit before 7:00am. Seems crazy to sit around at home all dressed up and no place to go so I went to work. Friday was the staff's annual Christmas breakfast that was to be cooked by none other than our wonder chef, Greg. Safely parked, not long after 7:00, I wondered why the carpark was almost empty. Cleaning staff noticed my arrival and came to greet me. perhaps they just wanted to tell santa what they wanted for Christmas. No matter, I was a Santa on a mission with gifts to place on desks before too many arrived. Next, off to the library. Breakfast for forty. Air conditioned space so aptly chosen. Chef Greg arrived so I did my best not to hinder his organisation too much. Others had arrived and also made their way to the library. You could see the eager look in their eyes. Not just the breakfast offerings but this was our last work day before the vacation. Massive year and well deserved break for everyone.

Doors and Halls

Soon it will be Christmas and behind these hall doors there will be family soundly sleeping. On Christmas morning I usually wake around 4:ooam and hope that everyone will join me at the Christmas Tree. In years gone by I often sadly sat and waited alone so I felt the need to gently rouse my family members from their slumber. When they were younger the saucepan and the odd wooden spoon assisted to gently nudge them to a wakeful state. Now days they threaten death and worse if I dare to even consider waking them. It is not the same. I am ready, Santa suit in its bag waiting for its annual airing. I don't need as much pillow as I once did but that's okay. I believe that I now have a more natural Santa-like expression and demeanour. The Christmas breakfast table will have been set on Christmas Eve in order to be ready for the traditional croissants from the Vietnamese bakery.

It's Finally Up!

Tradition suggests that the Ferguson family puts up their tree on December 1st. This year we'll be a little late but since it's fantastic plastic that shouldn't be an issue. As a child I remember the real trees that we used to buy and decorate each Christmas in the hope that all of the needles didn't fall off until Santa had bestowed numerous gifts under its shedding branches. Later, came the switch to the then ultra modern, aluminium, silver tree which as I recall, was at the very least a fire hazard and more significantly trees of its type became known for their abilities to electrocute the unwise who dressed them with faulty Christmas lights. However, a few years ago a colleague was kind enough to be wanting a good home for her enormous tree. I put up my hand and now we put up her tree. The tree when erected in all its glory actually reaches the ceiling so we tuck in the uppermost green, plastic limb to allow the angel to stand in her rightful place. Over the years we have gathered and kept every Christmas decoration that the children made at school. The time has come to say goodbye to those old faithfuls and bow to the whims of fashion and buy all that glitters or glows. I have in recent years decided to purchase new Christmas decorations each time I travel overseas. Underpinning this notion is that as I dress the Christmas tree each year I will be able to bathe in the nostalgia of when and where each bauble was purchased. Tomorrow is Tree Day. A momentous occasion since the box that houses it is stored in the now cluttered cubby and it must be dragged up thirteen stairs. This of course is no mean feat as it must be followed by box of Christmas decorations which is more challenging as it lives on the top shelf of the garage and is usually centimetres deep with dust and perhaps the occasional spider. No wonder Stephen dislikes Christmas. Every year we discuss where the tree should stand and every year we realise that its size dictates its placement in the lounge room. I'm right into recycling too and I encourage those wishing to place a gift under the tree do so by selecting a box or gift bag from the stash that I maintain just for that purpose. If everyone did the same there wouldn't be so much Christmas paper in the recycling bin. Unfortunately, not everyone shines to my idea of saving the planet one piece of paper at a time and they still choose to wrap some presents. Traditions need to be fostered and possibly over time there will be a greater understanding in my family of the environmental focus of Christmas (despite the plastic nature of our tree.) It's finally up! Thank you Alysia. It looks good.

Auxerre

Auxerre, a place of well preserved, medieval, architecture. When we arrived we made our way down to the village centre for a quick bite of lunch. As soon as we entered the main precinct we were immediately impressed by the beautiful old buildings. It seemed that every other building was a testament to the past. Fascinating statues or sculptures dotted the squares between streets. I noted that a number of statues and indeed buildings reminded me of images from books or movies from my youth. I wondered what it would be like to be a time traveller. Perhaps if I had enough wine with lunch I could imagine myself walking the streets in period dress and making purchases in the shops of the day. We roamed the streets for some hours before the cold weather had our teeth chattering like our shoes on the cobbles. Reluctantly we returned to where we had parked the car where we checked into our hotel; the Hotel de Parc des Marchaux. Later that night we agreed that Auxerre was one of those villages in which we would spend a little more time. We wanted to explore the village further. Following one of the best breakfasts of our road trip we set out to discover more than we could see on foot the day before. Parking some distance from the hotel we found that Auxerre had an abundance of churches dating back hundreds and hundreds of years. What appealed to us was the fact that those now managing the churches had insisted on respectful visitations by tourists. Sadly, some tourists have to be given more direction than others as at times they behave as if they've left their manners in their luggage back in their swank hotel rooms. We were reminded that in Notre Dame in Paris, it was particularly disappointing for us to see that many tourists showed so little respect for those attending mass while they roamed and collected happy snaps; oblivious to the solemn reverence of those engaged in worship. In Auxerre the church rightfully regulated and clearly stated its expectations of those who wished to visit. One medieval church was made more remarkable by the requirement of absolute silence by those who entered. Gentle steps accentuated our calm passageway from the front doors to the pulpit, having first past windows of colour and shadows from steel bars. As we exited this church we became aware of the masonry and the intricate detail of the sculptures adorning its facade. We had come to expect and understand that in France people go home for lunch and businesses of every type close for a period of time. However, I can not fully comprehend and regulate my penal colony mindset against going to work twice each day. Perhaps I need more time in France to adjust my thinking. Today was Monday and we had set out early so as to avoid the town's lunchtime lock down. Foot sore but happy little Vegemites were we as we ventured into shops where no one spoke any English. Truthfully the autumn weather had descended and this was one of those days when it was a welcome relief to pop inside a shop to browse for some respite from the fierce cold.

Chateau Chenonceau

Chateau Chenonceau. I am going to call it a lady's chateau because of the many feminine influences throughout its grounds. Car parking was particularly easy at this chateau - more than adequate. We selected the full tour--castle, garden, maze, wax works and Ipod guided tour. The stroll along the avenue of trees leading to the chateau created a ceiling of green, leafy foliage. To the left of this walk stood a maze of foliage; a brilliant use of hedging plants. Another building further along to our left housed the wax museum, a self service cafe and secreted beyond this the most elegant garden that hosted a fine dining restaurant. A significant tower stood to the immediate right forecourt of the chateau. Some distance to the left was a cottage of impressive proportions and known as the Chancellery. Upon entering the chateau you note the high ceilings, the resplendent wall hangings and the vast collection of antiques. This chateau boasts original decor and furnishings along with fabric of the finest quality to line its walls. The Ipod spoken and video text greatly assisted each of us to interpret the history surrounding the items of furniture and so too the paintings. Despite its age the chateau has withstood the ravages of revolution and two world wars rather well. The bed chambers reflected the individual taste for colour and furnishings of occupants through time. Various owners have successfully and tastefully made additions to the original building in a manner that compliments rather than detracts from the original architecture. The guard's room, the library, the study, the galleries, bed chambers and the kitchen did not disappoint the tourist in me. Perhaps my favourite was the kitchen with its shiny brass cooking utensils adorning the walls or the original meat chopping blocks and knives placed as they might have been when in actual use by the butchers, chefs or cooks of the day. One could not help but notice the floral tributes and arrangements designed to highlight the functionality of every room that we entered. For example, the kitchen staff's dining room table was laden with fresh produce of every size, shape and colour. Floral arrangements were created on site with fleurs from the chateau's garden. I speculate that the fresh produce was similarly sourced. For me the points of interest - size of the gardens and the estate and of course, the authentic ambiance.

Chambord

This was to be the second chateau that we were to visit whilst staying in the Loire Valley. Chambord was exceptional in its size but less splendid in its inclusions. For me the chateau's architecture was its most striking and memorable feature. If one could consider a chateau masculine then Chambord would proudly boast this label. Its staircases must be seen to be fully understood. A double spiral stairway so beautiful in form and bewildering to the eye draws one upwards to tread the still white steps, albeit weathered, from eons of foot fall. A sense of male dominated place of residence overwhelmed the interior spaces. Due to its size one cannot hope to view the chateau in its entirety. The audio explanations provide credible engagement with some rooms and spaces yet the lack of original furnishings require the accidental tourist to visualise and only wonder about the lifestyle of those who dwelt here. The village feel has been recreated and UNESCO's stewardship should see future restorations return some colour to the grand chateau.

Lundi in Chivenghy

Blois to Chivenghy leg of our road trip. You wind your way up and down, through rural vistas to discover Chivenghy. The serenity of the whole area was noted as soon as we stopped at the park by the river. Chivenghy was mostly breaking for lunch when we arrived so many commercial enterprises were closed. However, we felt the village to be so charming we sought accommodation but much to our disappointment vacancies in the town's centre were not to be found. What was pleasing was the fact that despite the hour, tourists could freely access most of the historic sites surrounding the old chateau. Statues in the old square almost invite you to sit and share a cobblestone. The ancient ruins present more than a notion of past splendour, so stoic against the elements. How did the builders achieve such grand designs at such perilous heights? Today birds maintain vigil over the loftiest of spaces that appear, in places, to be at risk of collapse. If you have an eye for the unusual seek out the large lizard that suns itself on the window ledge of a residence in the medieval township. I thought it to be a ceramic adornment at first glance but upon closer scrutiny it did move. Dilemma-Where to sleep? The hour grew later as we had afforded ourselves the luxury of time in examining this quite location. The absence of flocks of tourists allowed close encounters with the various points of interest. No noisy banter within churches or cathedrals here. Sensitive and restful reflections on what life may have been like so long ago. So hard to imagine the daily life and its challenges back when this part of the world was new.