PROBLEMS.

Hello to my blog friends. It has been quite a while since I have posted but I have been quite busy.
Today however I'm hoping someone can give me some advice. I have trouble opening my blog page, I can't see the list of other blogs that I follow, it takes several goes before I can access everything that I want to see. I am also seeing new "blogs" that appear to be advertising and in another language. How do I get rid of them?  Hope someone can help me or I may have to just close the whole thing!
It would help of course if I was more "computer literate" but I'm not game to push too many buttons.
At least some pleasant days here to be enjoyed after such a long, cold, wet winter.

Blessings to all,

Vicki.

MY NEW TOY.

My lovely family gave me an electric pressure cooker for Christmas. It was one of many gifts that I received including a box of chocolates (almost gone) shower gel, hand and body lotions and a funny calendar of cats and dogs.
Thinking back over the years, I can't ever recall and gift that my family gave me that I didn't love or want to exchange for something else. I always feel a bit sad that some people can't wait until Boxing day to take gifts back for another item that they want.

I've been looking for recipes for my pressure cooker to add to the ones included with the machine.
I've already made "bangers and mash"  and a couple of lots of vegetable soup and a chicken dish. All turned out very tasty and so quick.  I was wondering if anyone have any recipes that they might like to share or suggest a good recipe book.  There are several books on the market but many of them are more suited to a stove-top cooker. This one also steams and slow cooks which is really versatile although I haven't tried those functions out yet.

I spent a couple of days packing away all the Christmas decorations, such a big job!  I have to confess that I do think when putting up the decorations and packing them away that  "it's such a big job and I'm getting too old for this" but then I think of all the enjoyment that we get from seeing everything there. The lights in the little houses, the beautiful nativity displays, the tree with all the decorations that I've had for years and all the little pieces that fill the house with the spirit of Christmas.

I wish all my friends a wonderful 2014. A year full of happiness, good health and friends and time to do the things you love.

Blessings,
Vicki.

CHRISTMAS WISHES.

I would like to wish my dear friends God's richest blessings for a wonderful and joyous Christmas and happiness and good health in the New Year.

I hope you will enjoy some photo's of our home this Christmas. I love to put my Christmas tree up in the entry hall and fill it with all the decorations that I have kept for many years. I do manage to find a few to buy each year as well! 

I have several beautiful little birds but found one in my cat Bella's mouth recently. Too tempting for her.

This is a part of my Lemax village that is displayed on the window seat in our lounge room, it's a perfect place and is especially pretty in the night with all the lights shining from the little buildings.

Sometimes it's just a simple bowl of baubles that make a pretty display.I made the Christmas puddings from styrofoam balls covered in brown and white sequins and beads.

Some of the decorations on our tree are years old. I remember them on the tree when my children were small, they bring lovely memories of happy Christmas morning's.

I have an even smaller scale lighted village in my kitchen. I'm running out of room to fit any more in but I do love them. 

I hope all your wishes come true this Christmas. We are spending the day with our children, grand-son and the new man in my daughters life along with about fifteen other friends so I couldn't be happier.

OUR HOLIDAY.

My husband and I have just returned from a lovely ten day holiday to Nowra in N.S.W.  We stayed with his sister and her husband. It was a family reunion as well. Some came from Q.L.D, others from N.S.W and of course Victoria was represented too.
On the Saturday night my husband and his brother played their guitars while some of us sang and even tried some line-dancing.

We had several day trips to local shops with a few yummy lunches as well. A new diet is needed now!

We visited the Albatross Museum at Jervis Bay, well worth it and not just for the men either. We also had our eight year old grand-niece with us and she had fun looking at all the fantastic aircraft, helicopters and memorabilia.

We also loved driving to several pretty beach towns and fell in love with Calala Bay. We discovered a small inlet that was protected and peaceful.  I would love to live there!

Huskisson was also a big hit. A larger town and quite touristy. There were many boats moored on the harbour and plenty of great views for us to enjoy.

I took many photo's of pelicans, they are beautiful and graceful in the air.

Look up Mr Pelican, you are being watched!

I would love to live somewhere like this so I could go for a walk on the beach with my little dog Buster. He would love to play in the water I'm sure.

Kangaroo's were easy to see in the area and this one was just across the road from where we stayed

We called in to Towrang on the way home. It's a tiny area not far from Goulburn. My great-great-grandfather had lived and worked there as a brick-maker. He was a convict sentenced to seven years for stealing a handkerchief. He died there in 1858. Sadly there wasn't much to see but I did take a photo of the little church where he was married. 

BUSTERS OPERATION.

My dear little Buster had an operation today. He was desexed but it wasn't as straight forward as I had hoped. However he's home now and recuperating. He has a collar on because he's too interested in his stitches.
 He's got two lots that will have to be removed in ten days. Until then I think it's going to be a challenge to keep him quiet.
I can't wait until he's all better and playing outside or snoozing in his favorite chair in the sun.
The vet said that he was such a sweet boy, she really loved taking care of him.
We are so blessed to have him but I believe that he feels just as lucky to have us!

He's asleep at my feet and gently snoring so I will say good-night from both of us.

Blessings,

Vicki x

CIAO, BENVENUTO.

I haven't lost the use of the English language just yet.  I've joined a class to learn Italian and I'm loving it!
I've always been interested in Italian, it's such a passionate, lively language.
Now at home it's "buongiorno" to the "cano" and "gatti". I'm counting in Italian and trying to learn the names of the days and months. It's a challenge although some words are easier to pick up as they are similar to English.

My main reason for this post was to say "benvenuto" to a new follower, Diva. I can't see a blog for you but I hope you enjoy visiting here and learning a little bit about me along the way.


I'm still finding many family members on Ancestry. I don't remember if I told you but I was adopted as a baby and knew absolutely nothing of my background. I now have a family tree to be proud of and can now say that I too have a story to tell!

This is my maternal great great grand-mother, Mary. She was born in 1799 in England a died in Australia in 1890. I think she has such a gentle face don't you?  I have quite a bit of interesting information about her and her life. I can only read it and admire her for the trials and challenges that life brought her way.

Arrivederci   for now,
Hugs,
Vicki.

REMEMBER ME?

Did you ever make daisy chains when you were small? I loved making them and the bright yellow "jewels" around my neck always made me feel happy. 

I find myself being quite reflective these days, remembering my child-hood and the simple pleasures of playing with friends.

 Creating houses out of a few sticks on the ground, skipping, climbing trees, tea parties with my doll or putting my little black dog in the basket of my bike and going for a ride.

Perhaps it's because I'm getting older and long for a more simple life-style?

Even though you and I haven't had a chat for several months, I have been busy. I've had some health concerns, one is still giving me some trouble. I've been twice to a surgeon but he's reluctant to operate so I'm trying to be patient and put up with the pain. If you only knew just what an impatient person I am with myself then you would know that I can barely put up with "me" sometimes!

I enjoyed making all my Christmas cards again last year with the added bonus of my Cuttlebug and some lovely new stamps. I've got a good pile of cards made and just waiting for the right occasion to post one to some-one who I know would love to receive it.  I've discovered that not everyone values a hand-made card so they get a pretty bought one instead!

I've also spent hours in the garden over the last few months. It's been lovely to see new plants popping up and with careful watering, they continue to grow.

My little dog Buster continues to warm our hearts. He's found the perfect home and we've found the perfect addition to our family. He's laying at my feet as I write this, I won't tell him that I'm talking about him!

It's a bold photo of him but he loves to lay on his back for a tummy rub!!

I love this one, he often sleeps this way too.

I took some photo's of my work-room to send to a friend. Would you like to see where I spend a lot of hours creating my own little masterpieces? Please excuse the mess.

Every time I see my half-finished dolls house I feel guilty but there are so many other fantastic crafts that lure me into spending time with them!  That's my excuse any way.

Time to go and feed the man in my life, actually feed three men and a lady if you count two cats and a dog!

Blessings to you 'till next time,

Vicki.

A NEW MAN IN MY LIFE!

I can't quite believe just how long I've been away. I have been busy but it's no excuse for not calling in to say hi.

I have really missed having a dog and still miss my sweet Nicholas very much.
 My husband and I talked about the pro's and con's of getting another dog,  I was in two minds about it but K said definately not!!  In my heart I wanted a dog but also believed that I shouldn't search for one because the time would come that a dog would be in need of a home and it would be the right time.

 Well that time presented itself last week when a friend of my daughter's wasn't able to keep her dog and to make a long story short we are now the proud and loving owners of Buster.
He's a five year old Maltalier which is a Maltese Terrier/Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cross.
He is the sweetest natured little boy, so affectionate and just loooves his tummy rubbed.

We have already been for a walk around the block so he can see where he will be living.
One of our cats, Harry is ok with him but Bella took one look and was under the bed. She has been looking around the door but not game yet to venture any further.  Buster will live outside and the cats can only get out into two large cat runs so there shouldn't be any fighting.

HELP!

I'm up to my neck in ancestors and they are multiplying every day!  I've recently joined Ancestry .com.au and am loving it.

  I have three family trees and have found family all the way back to  the late 1400's. One side of my husbands tree goes straight back to the First Fleet. Anthony arrived on January 26th and Elizabeth on the first ship with women. They married and are reputed to have conceived and given birth to the first white child in the new colony of Australia.

If only I was able to go back in a time machine to talk with these family members and hear their stories, wouldn't it be wonderful?  I have looked on the internet for life-styles, clothing, housing and food for the relevant period in history and am so happy to be living in this time instead of then!

The photo is of my maternal great-grandmother (on the left) and possibly two of her sisters. Her name is Emily and although I love her clothes, I wouldn't want to wear them.

I've also found two men from different sides of my families who were awarded bravery medals in W.W.1. One was awarded the D.S.O with Bar. I've also discovered a father and several sons who were veterinary surgeons in the U.K. There is also quite a bit of information about the father on the internet.

 I could go on but I don't have time right now, must log in and "meet" some more relatives!

Blessings,

Vicki x

I'M STILL HERE!

I thought I should call in to say that I'm still here even though I haven't been in touch for a while.
I have been busy with the usual things in life but have recently made a discovery that's taking up most of my time. I've joined Ancestry.com.au and I have to confess that I'm well and truly addicted.
I took out a 14 day free trial thinking that there wouldn't be very much to see. Big mistake, there's literally thousands of entries to read through and it's going to take ages to sort out.
 My maiden name is quite uncommon here in Australia but it seems that every second person on Yorkshire U.K has it for a name! I can't believe how interesting the old documents are with the beautiful hand-writing.
I've even made contact with a lovely lady in Yorkshire. Her husband is my second cousin. It's easy to believe that we are all related in some way. The world isn't such a big place after all.

I'm trying to think positive about the arrival of spring. My blossom tree doesn't look quite like this yet but the daffodils and other bulbs are up and smiling at the sunshine. Still very cold and sometimes wet days to put up with. Oh well, it won't be very long and we'll be complaining of the heat!

Take care dear friends, I will be back soon.

Blessings for now,
Vicki x

GOOD-BYE SWEET NICHOLAS.

 My dear little Nick went to sleep on Monday, July 2nd.
 He had recovered from his big operation and was really well and happy for several weeks but then he slowly began to show signs of illness.
He drank quite a lot and lost his appetite. I just knew that his kidneys had failed so on the Monday morning after he had been sick a couple of times and fainted in the garden, I made an appointment with the vet.
 My daughter drove me there and after tests showed that he was very, very sick and had no hope of getting better, I made a decision to let him go.
 I held his hand while Jenny held me and we said good-bye. I cuddled him all the way home and he's now sleeping in the back garden where he loved to play.

This is one of my favourite photo's of Nick watching out the window. He loved to see people and cars go by and would get really excited when one of the family drove up in their car.

This is a fairly recent photo of Nick and his friend Bella. Nick is in his "pajama's" because he often felt the cold.  Bella loved to cuddle him, particularly near their meal time!

 I have watched as Bella cuddled Nick and her fluffy tail wrapd around his neck like a lovely scarf.

I love this photo too. Nick has his woolly "jama's on.  He was a fashionable boy, he had several coats and pajama's even a very smart red tartan coat that was for "best".

 I have nearly 14 years of memories and photo's but I miss him so much. The house is quiet and neater, I can walk without either tripping over him or having him follow my every step but, oh what I would give to have him back for another cuddle. I'm amazed that such a small dog could fill so much of my day.


           "Bye Nick, be a good boy and I will see you again one day. xxxxx

SORRY I FORGOT TO MENTION...

My apologies for not giving a lovely warm welcome to new friends who have decided to follow my little blog.
Please have patience with me, I promise to say hello more often.

Blessings,
Vicki xx

SMILES AND TEARS.

It's been a while since I last spoke with you.  My little dog Nicholas is back to his normal self again. His operation healed up within about ten days, I couldn't believe just how quick it was from looking awful and painful to now where I can't even see the scars.
 He's much happier, jumping up for a cuddle and wanting to go for a walk and his appetite is good too.  So much to be thankful for and thank-you to all of you, my dear friends, who said prayers and wrote lovely comments.    Nick and I are very grateful.


I have had a very sad few weeks recently.  My dear friend Ruth passed away on April 20th. She had fought a cancer battle for the last 16 years and even though we all knew her life's journey was coming to an end, it was very hard to accept, she was only 61.
 Ruth was one of those people who touched many lives in such a positive way. She was a true Christian person and had love and caring for every-one she knew. I will miss her so much but am thankful that I was able to have her as a friend.

I think our lovely Autumn weather has gone for this year. We were blessed with some of the most beautiful days in recent weeks. Ballarat is a wonderful city in the Autumn, trees in splendid colour,  leaved to rake up for the garden and a special atmosphere of peace and calm.  Now it's just colder and we want to stay nearer the heater and get out all the Winter woollies to wear!

Until next time, take care,
Vicki xx

GOOD NEWS.

Thank-you for your good wishes and prayers for my Nicholas.  His operation went well, the lovely vet Rob, was very happy with it all.
 He was able to get the large lump all out and now Nick is home with a plastic collar on so he doesn't hurt himself and a very sore, stitched up rear end!
He was able to eat his tea with a bit of juggling and he's mostly following me around or lying nearby looking suitably put out.

Both cats are giving him a wide berth, they don't like the look of the collar. Rob said the recovery should be about ten days. We can take Nick for short walks and hopefully he will be back to his old self quite soon.

Life really is good when all the "family" are home and safe.
Blessings,
Vicki x

MY NICHOLAS.

I have a favor to ask.    Would you please think of my dear little dog Nicholas and say a prayer if you wish. He's going to have a big operation tomorrow for a large cancerous lump

He's 13 years old but I hope and pray we will have him to love and spoil for a while yet.
 He's my little shadow, never very far away from me.  He follows me from room to room and just loves to be cuddled and patted.

He loves having a bath and being dried with the hair-dryer.  When he goes outside in the wet weather, his feet get dirty so as I let him inside again I say  "hands and feet",   he sits on the mat and holds his paws up to be wiped dry with a hand-towel.  My daughter usually comes for tea on Tuesday night and Nick sits in the hallway and just watches the door waiting for Jenny to arrive.  I swear he knows what day it is!

Blessings,

Vicki x

WELCOME NEW FRIENDS.

I just popped in to say hello and feed the fish and was so thrilled to see that I had two new followers.
 While I was composing a message to you both you will never guess what happened. A third friend joined my blog almost in front of my eyes!!
To Susan of Minicrochetmad,    Shez from Enjoying Life and Helen who didn't have blog details, a warm hello.   I'm so glad that you decided to stay. I hope you enjoy reading about what I get up to when I should be cooking or cleaning!!!
 I have been neglecting my miniatures a bit lately because I had surgery in my nose a few weeks ago and what with one thing and another, it's still painful to rest my glasses on my nose for long and I need to wear the "specs" for close-up work.  It's much better than it was so hopefully I will be back in business soon.

If you have looked back through my rambling, you will have seen photo's of garden flowers that I hope you have liked. I'm pleased to sat that they are all from my garden and when I take a close-up photo without the surrounding weeds, gosh don't they look great!

Take care,

Vicki x

GOOD MORNING.

I have created a new blog and hope you will drop in to see what I spend my time on when not making mini's.

http://vicki-thespiceoflife.blogspot.com

It's all about my other crafts and hobbies. I love crafting and over the years have certainly been involved in a large variety, cross-stitch, stitcheries, painting, porcelain dolls, teddy bears, card making and the list goes on.

I do hope you will call in and say hello,   I would love to hear from you.

HARRY THE EXPLORER.

I'm sure I've told you about one of my cats called Harry and his ability to climb up onto anything in the house.

I've found him on top of the wardrobes,  book-cases,  kitchen cupboards,  shower recess. In fact anywhere he can climb up to for a better view of what's around and new ideas for somewhere else to climb!

I recently took one of the small drawers out of a cabinet to look at the contents in the kitchen when I heard an odd noise.  This is what I found.

What goes in....

Must come out!

Then I need a little rest just to show you how cute I am.