Show Pony

My sweet little pony, Nat, got very sick just before Christmas. At 22 years old, I feared the worst for her but by some miracle, she had made enough of a recovery to accompany her little rider, Poppy, to the country show today.



After countless shows, being primped and preened for most of her life, Nat's earned her retirement and only gets prettied up once or twice a year now for special occasions.

Birthday Boy

Yesterday we celebrated my adorable nephew's third birthday. My sister threw him a little party with fairy bread, homemade pasties and lots of sweet treats. I made the cake which was topped with toffee crumbles. He had a ball and made us all laugh with his funny faces and dress-up antics. I feel so lucky to have him and my niece in my life.

A First Encounter

We've been reading up and apparently it's best to expose a puppy to as many different experiences as possible while they're young and impressionable. This afternoon we took Billie to the beach – her first time. It was so funny watching her negotiate the soft sand, pick up seaweed and sea sponges and then tentatively enter the water.





We are blessed with the most beautiful coastline, I'd forgotten how nice it is at the beach, a mere 20 minute drive away. Even though it was warm, it was overcast so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. Overall, a very rewarding experience – for Billie – and me.

What a Difference

What a difference a little time and a lot of rain makes - we only planted out this part of the garden a couple of months ago. Now the hydrangeas are in bloom, the lobelias are bursting with colour and the trees are in leaf. It makes me happy every time I look outside.



The temporary fence is to keep Billie out until we get a proper one built. John and I both decided it was way beyond our capabilities to erect something strong enough to withstand a dog so we've decided to hire a contractor. I kind of like this little make-do though – it's quaint – and she hasn't worked out how to get through it yet.



She is growing up so quickly. We want her to stay sweet and small forever. She is such a lovely dog – especially with her crazy ears – one sticks up and one flops down now!

Our Little Billie

Last week we welcomed a new member to our family – Billie – an eight week old Staffordshire Bull Terrier bred by our friend Amy. Since Molly died earlier in the year the house has been terribly quiet and very lonely and John has been yearning for a new dog. She is a dear little thing and John is smitten.



We had a terrible scare yesterday when she suddenly became very sick and we had to rush her to the vet. She spent the day on a drip and they were quite worried about her for some time. Today she is back to her normal playful self – we suspect she ate something she shouldn't have.

She has already well and truly found a place in our hearts.

Spring Has Sprung

Spring is here at long last. The trees are in blossom and the sun is shining. Just perfect for a bounce on the trampoline with my sweet niece.



Today marks a new chapter in my life. I have resigned from my position at the magazine and am about to embark on a very exciting new venture. Lots to do and so much to think about – can't wait to tell more!

Congratulations
I am so very proud of my husband, John, who last night picked up Event Caterer of the Year and then the pinnacle in catering awards, Caterer of the Year, at the SA Restaurant and Catering Awards. He and his partner Cindy, together with their amazing staff at The Food Business – who are family to us – work so hard and thoroughly deserve this honour.

These are some pics I took in one of their kitchens a few weeks back.







The hands in the photos are John's - gnarly, scarred, burned and calloused. When you look at his hands, you realise the reality cooking shows that are on telly don't paint a true picture of the incredibly hard work required to be chef. It is a really tough gig.

Winning these awards kind of makes up for the fact I get to see John about 20 minutes a week... kind of.

Molly

This is a portrait of our beautiful old Labrador, Molly, who died earlier in the year. I commissioned it from Kate Pugsley and she did such an amazing job at capturing her spirit. Losing Molly was/is really tough, she was part of our family, but this portrait gives me some comfort. I've put it near the back door where she used to sleep, overlooking her favourite spot – the catfood bowl. Each day as I pass it, I speak to it as if she were still here. I think it's a nice way to remember her.