Table set and ready

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....

eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a

recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honoured...

This is a good afternoon hello, Thurs 31st, 16.18, 22dg, and a chilly overcast sky with possible rain this evening. Today we have been slow and gentle... last night we all went into Parnell... Bor, Ber and Blake all went off to the Cirque du Soleil in the city which they absolutely loved... I stayed in the little Italian restaurant where they had dined earlier, enjoying two bottles of Pinot Gris, and an adequate scallops in sauce with an old friend... we were in full catch up chat mode. All in all a lovely night, but perhaps the Portobello restaurant is not as good as it was in former times. This morning I had feet of clay and possibly a touch of furry vision... serve me right you may say. Today we have spent a good part of the day preparing for a gathering here at the house for another catch up for 9 of us this evening... it is certainly all about the social merry-go-round since my feet touched NZ soil. No complaints. I am on best behaviour bonds tonight as we have to be out of the house for 6-6.30 am tomorrow for my flight to Palmerston North. Then it is another gathering tomorrow night... Heavens when I go home I will have to have a complete month of AFD's.  In the meantime all the best is being prepared for tonight, including the plates and cutlery... Happy days.

Knowledge, Ignorance, Experience

It takes considerable knowledge just to realise the extent of your own ignorance.

It is a hello day to day... Wed 30th, 15.32, 17 dg +/- high overcast and I am not finding it very warm. Yesterday was a mixed weather bag and a day of doing little chores in amongst bigger things. Scrumptious lunch and a delicious Pinot Gris... how I have missed the New Zealand whites. Last night we were all very low key, perhaps because we pushed the boat out to far the night before.. perhaps. I think more probably jet lag, but hey, while there is no one to check it doesn't matter. Today I have been left unsupervised for an hour or so in a shopping mall, a time fill in really, and I am so experienced at filling in time. Then into Newmarket and masses of precious time spent trying to resolve issues with my new mobile WiFi which has been biffed out of frustration a couple of times... between Apple and Vodafone seemingly done and dusted, time will tell. This evening will be spent in the company of an old friend and we will be doing catch up. Lots to talk about. Tomorrow is an evening of a lot of people I haven't seen for too many years to count... it is all a bit of a social merry-go-round really but knew that when I decided to come out. 7 days and the Poppet will be celebrating her first Birthday.. wow what a year. Knowledge, ignorance and experience all rolled into one... Enjoy.

Auckland, New Zealand...

“Life is to be enjoyed, not endured”

Good Morning World... Tues 29th, 8.50, Auckland sky patchy blue and grey and pretty jolly cold for this little soul, especially coming out of 30+ degrees in Singapore. A few small issues at check in... jeez that was SGD 185 thank you for overweight, but she was such a sweetie, her supervisor suggested I try a repack and take as much on board to reduce the check in luggage, so I was one of those you see at times in the airport, doing a suitcases open trying to re-distribute. I do feel I got off very lightly. Long flight due to a little chap who obviously did not like the idea of being constrained, but he did finally scream himself to sleep three hours in and stayed that way until an hour before landing. Hostesses were handing out ear plugs to those of us in the immediate vicinity, but heavens I felt so sorry for the parents.  Arriving in Auckland and first impressions were that not a lot seemed so different.  It sounds so strange being in amongst Kiwi voices again, and the queue through customs was remarkably painstaking, but good to see MAF and their beagles doing such good control at the border. Back on the ground and straight back into the social whirl that is catching up. In conversation with my sister this morning we decided that we were not going to do any numbers from last night. Today will be a day doing a few necessary bits n bobs and top of the list is to enquire from Air NZ what their luggage allowances are for me... feel it could be a good option to courier the Poppets case to Taihape rather than watch the check in girl loose her eyebrows into her hairline. Finding it a little surreal to be back in New Zealand.

Changi Airport... watching while I wait..

Sitting in Harry's Bar in Changi watching the F1 race from India... why is it always Webber's car that has the implode... am feeling a bit miffy with F1 at the mo, probably as I am not much of a fan of Vettel. Dues given... he can drive so hats off.  I am also a bit miffy with the fact that I have been whacked for overweight... SGD 185.00... the things one does for one's precious Poppet.

I have left my corner of the Forest....

“You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”

Good Morning World... Sun 27th, 9.53, 26dg. Another Singapore stunner, so plans are simple. Yesterday was a gentle day pleasing myself in every respect. nice, very nice. Decided with the weather and massive black thundery sky that eating close to the Hotel was in my best interests last night. I had planned to do Street Hawker foods, but as I would be on foot, and walking a serious distance, not such a good look in a Singapore thunderstorm. I chose the Japanese Restaurant Shima and was not disappointed... the service was typically Japanese, totally focused on the needs of the diner, and the food was out of this world.. Sorry Marg, no food photography but I think you would have been impressed. I ordered Seafood set Teppanyaki.. oooh to die for. He was busy cooking my oysters and took his eye off the ball, turned them and obviously thought no, over cooked, so threw them out... Thankfully there was no one there to take a photograph of my face, in all honesty, I would have eaten them as they were, I am a girl from the South Island after all. I understand the quest for perfection, but 5 big fat plump oysters down the dump shute !! This morning was a fab breakfast of scrambled eggs and salmon.. also had some of the local speciality smoked fish, totally lip smacking, now I will sort, rearrange and squeeze the cases into closed submission. A couple of little chores to check on.. as you do, and then taxi to Changi. Inbound Auckland 12.10. Officially left my corner of the Forest ...

Saturday... retail on Orchard Road

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her
dreams wants to see her in an hour...
Good Afternoon World... Sat 26th, 17.40, 32dg and incoming thunderstorms.
Last night was not one to chalk up to a hearty experience.. body clock in charge so just going with the flow, as you do. Leisurely breakfast this morning until 10.30 and then headed up the road to wander... could post it home, but then there is no fun in that !!! Was stopped in the street by a Canadian couple who had chased me from the pedestrian crossing... she wanted to know where I had bought my suit from. She took a photo of it so she could show the shop assistant.. thinking woman. Came back to the hotel at 1 ish and then did poolside until 4.30. Delicious. Now just waiting on the ice bucket from room service, tunes going nicely from my computer. Tomorrow more of the same as I do not have to be out to Changi Airport until 16.00... Inbound Auckland... Butterflies in my tummy. — at Goodwood Park Hotel

Day two.. sort of.

“My spelling is Wobbly. It's good spelling but it Wobbles, and the letters get in the wrong places.”

Today it has to be Hello World.. I have no idea where the time clock is .. I do know that I got on the singapore flight in Zurich Thursday 24th at 10.45am and it is now Singapore time Friday 25, 18.26.. so that is Austria minus 6 hours.. Jeez... and I have not been on my back, in bed, with my eyes closed sleeping since Wednesday night in Zurich. No grumbles, but holy shit my spelling is wobbly!! So into the Goodwood park at 6.15am this morning, my fav hotel of all here in Singapore as Paulii and I always stayed here... They all know me and greet me.. Bless. Into a small swim suit as I am in a place no-one will worry, well no, probably where I do not worry.. and on a sun lounger in the delicious heat.. mani and pedi sorted while I was sitting on the lounger poolside.. no.. no-one was there to say yeeeww. Klaudia would be proud.. a water bottle to quench one's thirst. Set off down Orchard Road for a bit of search and find, searched and perhaps found but have decided to leave it all until my return stop here in December. Ahhh, Singapore and the melting pot of busy busy that it is. Just love it, maybe a good comment for a stop over rather than a permanent lifestyle. Carrots and snow peas by the hand load as some sustenance, but am planning on eating dinner tonight. I am tired, so the hope is that there is a good snore off coming on the back of this long upright time. La la la ... Singapore and then New Zealand. — at Orchard Road

Day one on the road...

"If you have to ask if it is too early to drink wine... You're an amateur and we can't be friends "
Good Morning World... Thurs 24th, 6.01 and dark out. A couple of quick coffees to get going and then bags closed and off to checkin. Seamless trip into Zurich yesterday in the rain, and then the wheels came off somewhat from there. Wrong Radisson Blu and a remarkably unhelpful man with directions to the shuttle to the sister hotel. I finally managed to get to the hotel 2 hours after arriving at the first one... Needless to say my face and mood matched the weather. Insult to injury they have a bloody McDonalds at the entrance  oh dear. This hotel is most definitely not a recommendation and I will not stay here again. Today is Zurich - Singapore and then a little heat for 3 days. Yay — at Park Inn Zürich Airport

A journey of a thousand miles starts today

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.

Good Morning World... Wed 23rd, 4.52, 19.5dg... at that temperature it is a Föhn. I thought I may be leaving with snow on the mountains, but this weather has certainly dealt to all of it. Instead we have the most amazing autumn colour parade all over the mountains. The view out my windows is truly beautiful. I imagine on my return it will be a very different view.  All work finally done, today I start the journey from Schruns to New Zealand. Closed my cases last night... I know I have packed too much, but I also know I am sure of choices. A girl must have choices. Bear in mind that one case is almost all a Poppet case with some NZ extras going back home. I have just been down to the cellar to attend to the boiler, and cannot for the life of me remember exactly how I was to have done it ...the way I was shown to put it to sleep. Done what I think is right and if not well... hey ho !! All that is left is to stop all the pendulums on the chiming clocks and good to go. Tonight I am in Zurich, tomorrow, direction Singapore... A journey of a thousand miles in more ways than one .... Enjoy

The value of firendship

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who
lets her cry...

Good Morning World...Tues 22nd, 5.37, 14.4dg.. I am not even looking out the window but from memory the weather is supposed to be fine. Yesterday started so well, really well, and got into Bludenz to get the printer ink and home in very timely fashion.. without anything new for the Poppet's wardrobe, I might add, Rushed a return box up to the Post Office and then from there the day went totally pear shaped. Had to pop up to someone, who will remain nameless, to discuss the winterising for the garden, and what started as on aperitivo at 11.30 turned in a full blown what was that.. 😳 😳... So bad that when I did get on my bike at 3 I came straight off it, on the road, in front of one of her neighbours.. crumbs, looking back I probably should have walked home, but I think there was a touch of the old ten foot tall and bullet proof syndrome going on here. Oh dear oh dear... how did I let all of that happen, best laid plans and all, so consequently I did not get a single thing done yesterday. Thank goodness I do not leave until tomorrow, so today, which was going to be a laid back pampery sort of day, is now going to be busy. I could have a sore leg, but won't talk about that!! Ahhh the value of friendship.  One more sleep... 😉

Preparations in full swing

No canvas absorbs colour like memory.

Good Morning World... Mon 21st, 5.01, 10.2dg. Yesterday we had a föhn wind and they say for today also . Few spitty bits late yesterday, but in the middle of the day it was warmer outside than it was inside., one of those Nor'west days in the South Island where your Mother does all the woolie bits because the drying is so good!! Suitcases are starting to fill... mainly with Poppet things and New Zealand bits that I will take and leave. Yesterday I spent a good part of the day in the sewing room adjusting skirts and trousers... I am so over having to unpick and re-sew... it is amazing the difference in tailoring in similar pattern skirts and trousers, thank goodness for a good stereo and a reasonably sound proof room. I also washed and packed the Melanie's Christmas Stocking ... My enduring memory of Christmas is the Christmas Stockings my Mother made us all... large red stockings with our initials on them so on Christmas morning there was no mix up as to which belonged to who... four children on Christmas morning made for a lot of noise and mess. I in turn made the same Stockings for my two children, and now have drafted a pattern to make one for the Poppet for next Christmas... in the meantime am taking Melanie's Stocking back to her. My tasks today are a quick trip to Bludenz for printer ink as I cannot print a couple of documents I want to take with me, sort the electrical plugs required and then back to the suitcases. A day to cruise really.

Quiet Sunday, crazy Saturday.

“I believe all women know in their heart of hearts that they truly are divine and magical, even if they've temporarily forgotten.”

Good Morning World...Sun 20th, 5.41, 8.7dg, clear early morning steady barometer. This is now serious countdown mode.. 3 days ... Yesterday I did it all ... only after I had watched the All Blacks maintain their winning streak by beating the arch rival Australia... not so sure I like this latest crowd craze of booing when the opposition team is in charge of the ball, is that really sportsman like??? Mowed the lawn, trimmed the edges, cut the picking garden back to ground level, stripped the vegetable garden and took all the garden rubbish to the re-cycler. Put my beautiful, shiny, bright blue sign into its wooden frame and screwed it all together ready for the builder to set it onto posts. Put the washing line away in the garage. All while the sun shone.. super day. Even had time to go down to my sewing room to make some clothing adjustments, and use my new ironing machine... fantastic how quickly you can iron bed linen. A good purchase me thinks. Today off up to my other garden to finish a little "quiet" work, and then that is positively it. Have to get it in this morning as they say we may have rain after lunch. Yesterday morning, when I went outside I found that someone had put a large black polythene sack, and not the legal variety of course, inside my gateway, filled with their food and rubbish... what absolute *****, so I just put gloves on, gathered it up and put it around the corner where the rubbish bags go on a Friday.. it will not be collected as they do not collect bags that are not paid for, here's hoping it does not come back into my place!!! All seems to be quietly ticking off, list made for things that have to be done last thing Wednesday before I leave the house. My neighbour, bless him, is panicking that I will leave all the christmas light timers on, I tell him I am on to it !! I am more concerned that I will remember how to shut down the heating in the appropriate manner as per instruction from the heating man... Oh happy days. 

Fa la la la la....

Saturday... almost finished

“There's the South Pole, said Christopher Robin, and I expect there's an East Pole and a West Pole, though people don't like talking about them.”

Good Morning World...Sat 19th, 5.03, 5.3dg, another starry, full moon sky so the day will dawn well to let me finally finish outside. Yesterday was a running day all day, two tuitions sorted and now the book is closed until the start of school January 7th 2014. Sigh, and that is of relief. massive compliment from the mother of my afternoon little.. she is one of the primary school teachers here in the village. I am doing well. Went into Bludenz to collect my new sign... wow, it is bright... there will be no doubt about seeing it as you drive along the road!!  It is what I wanted but wow... Maybe it will look slightly calmer when it is inside the dark wood sign. Interesting conversation with the gentleman there... the one who I have played golf with... He asked when I was returning and when I said Dec 13th he said.. ohh just in time for my Birthday! Boys will be boys !! Next on my list is to turn off all the outside water lines and drain them, get the petrol container filled for the snow plough, mow the scrap of lawn and then I really am done. I am so miffed... cannot find the International Rugby match between All Blacks v Wallabies anywhere on the television and the live stream on the All Blacks page does not work in Europe..Grrr. That means I will not get to watch the All Blacks thrash the Wallabies. So it is a play outside in the sunshine day for me, then tomorrow it is a day to start the pack process in preparation for my departure, direction South Pole...Happy days...

Almost done..

“How many slams in an old screen door? Depends on how loud you shut it. How many slices in a loaf of bread? Depends on how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day? Depends on how good you live it. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give them.”

Good Morning World...Fri 18th, 5.26, 3.9dg, full moon, crisp clear sky and VB cold out. Zoomed out at 4, while I was waiting for the coffee machine to heat, and put the rubbish bag out.. the temperature quite took my breath away. I was in my nightie so that could have something to do with it !!! Yesterday was a pat on the back day. Home from the hairdresser by 11.30, sneaky aperitivo, speedy lunch, and then the doorbell.. yay, delivery from Vienna with the Miele rolling ironing machine I had bought second hand. Hats off to the chap from Gebrüder Weiss, he carried the machine down the cellar steps for me.. 51kgs, bless him, and he wasn't an overly big man. We caused a bit of a traffic jam on the street as his truck was so darn big and there was another delivery truck driver who decided that he would chat me up as the best way to wait until he could get past.. he climbed out of his truck and stood on my driveway and gave me his whole routine...and I mean a serious chat me up.. even asking my name.. ummm Hello??? After I had dispatched both men, I turned to the garden.. covering, tying and protecting completed, roses all pruned and ready for the trip to the Recyclinghof. Today conversation at 10 and tuition at 13.00 and then all tuition work finished until my return. Off to collect my new sign this afternoon, and a couple of boxes of a yummy Italian Pinot Grigio I have found.. a girl has to be ready for anything. Tomorrow is a rugby day... Bledisloe Cup, All Black v Wallabies in Dunedin.. I will be on my chair for that. FIS Alpine World Cup ski Season kicks off in Soelden At. next weekend and I will miss it. Shame, but then a girl cannot do and see everything, regardless of her desire. 5 days...... 

Ticking it all off the list.

We are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we'll never know most of them. But even if we don't have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there. 

Good Morning World...Thurs 17th, 5.18, 8.9dg and we have wet roads looking out from the office window. Yesterday's rain cleared quickly to a lovely sunny day which was the perfect opportunity to get on with tying up. 3pm tuition dispatched happily and dates sorted for the start of school after Christmas. I had a sneaky feeling they may have decided to stop as I had heard, second hand, some questions over the price but seemingly all is fine. This morning I have the hairdressers appointment, for me that is normally a three hour session, so will be out by lunch time, and then weather permitting off to my gardening job to do some tying up there also. My time is now starting to speed away from me, but once this week has finished then Monday, Tuesday are completely for me....clean up all the little rats and mice tasks and job done. Sorted with my neighbour across the road yesterday, so he will do circuits for me in my absence, he loves to do it so why say no. Friend organised with garage door opener in case something is required, and door keys so she can water the orchids. Just ticking it all off. Enjoy.

It is a time thing...

“Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.”

Good Morning World...Wed 16th, 5.12, 6.5dg and we have wet roads. That could be a small handbrake on my plans for today... either that or just stick my chest out and do it in the rain. Yesterday was full of ticks... Off early to find a printer to do my garden sign, all in hand, design sorted and ready for collection on Friday... the man looked at me and asked " Do I know you? " I said no I do not think so.. he said yes, we have played the Wednesday Golf tournaments together... Tall, greying hair, distinguished looking...Oppps!!! Two tuitions yesterday and then a lovely chap in the house to help me sort the heating while I am away.. at the request of my brother, I am now under control, and with any luck five days before my return there will be an angel come in and re-set the maintenance heat setting to a warm house setting. I am loathe to use the oil but as the house is going to be so full a week after I get home I have to do it. Have instruction from the clock man on all the chimers and how to sort them in my absence, so it is a tick tick tick from yesterday. Today is free until 15.00 so am hoping to be outside in the garden, wet or not. 15.00 tuition with two 7 year olds, then a quick trip to my friendly builder to organise putting the sign up in the garden in my absence, after all that it should be time to light the fire and pour a glass of something scrummy. Happy Wednesday 

Beatrix Potter found and ready...

A book is a gift you can open again and again.

Good Morning World... Tues 15th, 5.41, 6.3dg. Weather outlook is for sun so hopefully after tuition I can mow the tiny scrap of grass that is now my lawn, finish with the bow ties on top of all of the hessian sacks on my buxus plants then that is a tick on the outside preparation. Two tuition sets today and in amongst that a visit to the printing company to hopefully print the metal plate for my roadside sign. Yesterday we had a cooking lesson... afghan biscuits... a good NZ oldie and the children here love them, so the girls took a box each home with them. Got my International Drivers license renewed yesterday only to be told after spending 26 euros that it is not necessary.. oh well, road legal in more ways than one. Collect Singapore dollars today... ticking ticking ticking... My rude daughter was concerned I may be bringing too many pairs of shoes in my case.. I suggested that any shoes may be a drama for me at the mo. Big problem trying to work out the best selection of what to pack as the late spring weather in NZ seems to be very wet and windy at the moment, and bearing in mind we will be spending the greater part of the trip in the South of the South.... Just have to resort to layers. Beatrix Potter books found and packed. Tomorrow I am into the 7 day countdown... clap clap, wiggle wiggle... 😀

Megan Boucher Is this yet another worthless human trying to scam innocents?

“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.”

Good Morning World... Mon 14th, 4.55, 7.1dg. Temp outside slowly improving, weather outlook for the first part of the week is for dry conditions. All good for the completion of the last bits of tying up. This morning it is hit the ground running and off to Bludenz to re-apply for my international drivers license... it is a nice little money maker for those that issue them as they are only valid for 12 months. After I have got that then it is off to the BH to hand in my Austrian license and retrieve my expired New Zealand license. Am thinking I will re-sit my license in New Zealand... that may be a case of watch this space!! I have held a New Zealand drivers license since I was 15 years old so I imagine that the rules will be a little different now..  Yesterday watched Vettel yet again take the chequered flag, it was a shame that Webber did not have the chance to beat him. I have been dealing with an enquiry from a person using the email " Megan Boucher <megan.boucher@yahoo.ie> " with regard to the purchase of my Vespa scooter.... this is yet another lowlife trying to scam me. It does leave me wondering what sort of world it is that I will leave for my children and my Poppet.. I spend my days trying to do the right thing and earn an honest income.. others think they have the God given right to live off others by what ever means they can.. it is a crying shame and a total disgrace. A slow death for these scum of our society is the easy way out from my point of view. This week is going to be busy.... Enjoy

Silvretta Montafon

Traumhafte Wetter und die schöne verschneite Labdschaft unterhalb der Versettla Bergstation laden zum Spazieren ein! Die ersten Boarder habe ich auch schon gesehen 

Brilliant little mouthfuls..

Thumb Print Cookies

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
2. 1 cup sugar
3. 1 tsp. vanilla extract
4. 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
5. 1/2 tsp. salt
6. Seedless strawberry or apricot jelly

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar and stir in the vanilla extract. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the flour and salt. Combine the flour mixture and the butter mixture until the dough is crumbly but holds together when pinched.
2. Take a walnut-sized piece of dough in one hand. With the thumb of the other hand, gently knead it three times. Roll it into a ball and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. With your knuckle or thumb, press a well in the center and fill with 1/2 teaspoon of jelly.
3. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
   

Sunday, F1 in Suzuka.. Webber on Pole :)

“Rabbit's clever," said Pooh thoughtfully.
"Yes," said Piglet, "Rabbit's clever."
"And he has Brain."
"Yes," said Piglet, "Rabbit has Brain."
There was a long silence.
"I suppose," said Pooh, "that that's why he never understands anything.”

Good Morning World...Sun 13th, 6.46, 4.3dg. Some rain yesterday morning and overnight, but rain monitor packed away now. Yesterday was a very chilly wet morning but it was necessary to go out and do, so pressed on with all the winter woolies. My aim was to sort out and tie up the garden.. yes well, best laid plans. BUT I did something instead that was just as important. I stripped the garage, unscrewed the work tables from the walls, swept, blew air and generally dismantled and reassembled the garage in a different configuration. Work tables now on the back wall which gives me good extra width in the garage.. excellent move for my" later" plans. Scooters on charge, dusted, covered and re-parked, wheelchair under cover all other incidentals of P's, that are for sale, now organised and covered. Snow blower machine prepped and good to go, and my Vespa out of the Hüsli and into the garage under cover and more importantly under secure lock. Bicycles into the garage so now there is plenty of room for all the visitors ski paraphernalia in the Hüsli... tick tick tick. All the plant covers and ties on the terrasse ready for work today, all outdoor furniture shifted, swept and placed back under cover with cushions into the cellar. Gosh. Almost Winter ready . Now I am on the couch watching the racing from Suzuka.. Webber on pole... long may he stay there and bring home the Suzuka trophy for his cabinet, nice way for him to finish his F1 career. All in all an achieving weekend so far, with more to sort today. 10 days until departure...  

An early start..

Silvretta Montafon

Wir wünschen unseren Bescheiern eine gute zweite Nacht beim Schnee produzieren! Ihr macht einen super Job, Dankeschön!

Was die Beschneiung gestern angefangen hat, wird gerade von den PistenBully-Fahrern bearbeitet. Seebliga zeigt sich von seiner schönsten Seite!

Pooh and Rabbit.

“Pooh," said Rabbit kindly, "you haven't any brain."
"I know," said Pooh humbly.”

Good Morning World... Sat 12th, 7.06, 1.6dg ..V B cold. Yesterday the snow stopped falling early morning, a quick shovel to clear the driveway so my ladies would not go A over K. The damage to the deciduous trees and plants in the garden is a bit disappointing, as the snow came so early they are still in leaf so the combined weight made most of them lie on the ground, or touch their toes.. Today will be spent now sorting it all out, cutting back and tying up. The afternoon arrived with brilliant sunshine.....
Early snow, yes, but will it stay.. up high more than likely.
Work sorted for today, 10 days to get it all done. My little 7 year old yesterday was a bit grumpy about all the work I was loading into his home folder until I explained it was for all the weeks I am away, not all for the next seven days until he comes back to me. His Mama is one of the primary school teachers here and so she keeps him up to the mark with his English work, every night. Bless. My conversation girls are already planning my return party.. heavens, I thought I was coming home to rest and recuperate after NZ, seemingly I will have to hit the ground running with Christmas parties as well  One of them asked me if I had any time in the weekly diary to hold another conversation group, I said only 3 mornings a week are now free.
The Rabbit and the Bear... Bless our little Poppet.... 😇

Snow on the ground.

“When you see someone putting on his Big Boots, you can be pretty sure that an Adventure is going to happen.”

Good Morning World... Fri 11th, 5.07, 2.0dg, 1.1ml, snow overnight. Yay... we are white, you do not realise, until it comes back, how much you have missed it.. crazy I know. As much as I love summer there is something totally magical about falling and settling snow. Forecasting for light snow to stop through the morning. It started last night just before 5pm and was settling by 5.45... happy face. Today will be an inside day for sure, conversation at 10 and then a little at 1.00. After those two appointments I will concentrate on my cases. This is the part I do not like so much.. decisions on what to take.. minimum pack for maximum use.. never seems to work like that for me!!! Singapore is kind and given me an extra luggage allowance even before I get to the Airport. Am in search and find mode for my children's Beatrix Potter boxed sets of books as I want to take them with me... that means scrambling around in the attic and hauling out boxes. Not so happy face. All with the best intentions... happy wintery Friday 
Thursday afternoon, first snow settling...

Just a couple of wishes, please..

“The world is not a wish-granting factory.”

I'm Late I'm Late... Thurs 10th, 14.54, 6.4dg, 0.3ml rain. The weather is very definitely here, with the snow forecast lowering to just under 1000m tonight. Early this morning was dominated with Skype, so much to sort for the girls in my life. Positive vibes possibly mean positive outcome... here we go again with the patience trick. Shot off early to do the essentials, some gin, brocolli, smoked salmon, timers for the lights everywhere and lemons before the front came through, but as I was with the person who leads me astray in so much of what I enjoy these days, we did a little shoe and boot exploration as well. Ah well, as a girl must. Big tick for me though, as I went to local weapons dealer while she was at physio, and got the stuff sorted. Well, it will be next week, so then I am a legal rabbit. Phew.!! Should light the fire, but am in recline mode.. this is my day off .. but I do have to go outside to stack some ready wood... Was given a web site in Nz this morning for wine deliveries of some nice selections... so there is incoming around NZ in readiness for my arrival at different points in both islands ... always good to be organised, good Mantra. A wish or two never hurt anyone... and so I have a couple I am looking for permission for....13 days until departure. 

Lists drawn up ....

First signs of winter weather ??

“You can spend minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even months overanalyzing a situation ... trying to put the pieces together, justifying what could've, would've happened ... or you can just leave the pieces on the floor and move the **** on.”

Good Morning World...Wed 9th, 5.06, 12.7. Snow forecast warning yesterday and an email alert over night to say incoming snow : Moderate rain (total 18.0mm) on Thur afternoon. Becoming colder with heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Thur night. Freeze-thaw conditions (max 9°C on Thu morning, min -6°C on Thur night). Wind will be generally light. At altitude 1540m on the Hoch Joch, freezing level lowering to 600m Thursday night. I think we will end the week on a cold note!!! This is where the packing becomes difficult, as I leave in cold conditions, going to summer weather and returning to a full on Austrian winter... a girl only has so much room in her cases!! Not only that but there is a style requirement that has to be taken into consideration  Yesterday was one spent tail chasing.. coffee with a friend in town at 10.30 turned into a marathon event, home to grab a fast bite before three seniors at 1.15. Then down to the sewing room to cut and stitch little white knickers for the Poppet's Birthday dress. Done and dusted, frilled and embroidered. Smiley face and happy clap. Today I have two little 7 yr olds at 15.00, so will take the bike to the supermarket to do the essentials before the weather comes in, my big toe is not a happy toe and so walking in shoes to anywhere is a challenge, and as the weather becomes cooler and cooler I cannot wear something toe friendly. Ohhh happy days !!!

Apfel Streudel...

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

Good Morning World...Tues 8th, 6.28, 12.4dg.. the roads are dry, but I can see no twinkling on the skyline. Yesterday was mostly spent in the office photocopying and preparing lessons for my littles.. and organising a better file system. It is amazing how quickly little minds revert to the norm if they are not constantly reinforcing things. This afternoon I have three older girls for conversation/tuition and that will be all about latest fashion and makeup. Thank goodness I have been keeping back issues of Marie Claire and In Style as they are great things to motivate a young lady to read English, and I can get a page of descriptive writing out of them every week from the mags. A quiet week planned, tinkering with decorations and doing tidy up chores in amongst the revolving door that is English tuition. Only fifteen days until I lock the door here, yesterday went to the Gemeinde and organised all the local accounts that will come to my post box while I am away, sadly they don't do online accounts. Also sorted an Urlaubsfach, so my lovely little neighbour does not have to collect my mail every day.. the P.O. will hold it for me. He will just walk around the house morning and evening to check all is in order until my return, as you do when you are the retired Police Commander. My other neighbour has insisted I go in for streudel and coffee... I know that streudel and coffee turns into three bottles of wine after, so am proceeding with caution...
Apfel Streudel
Prep Time: 2 Hr
Cook Time: 55 Min
Ingredients

8 c flour
2 large eggs
2 Tbsp oil
2 1/2 c warm water
1 pinch salt
APPLE FILLING INGREDIENTS (MAKES 3
STREUDELS)
8-10 granny smith apples, sliced
golden raisins soaked in a bowl of warm water (just covered)
sugar & cinnamon to taste
melted butter
finely chopped walnuts, optional
Directions

1 Make sure that the room you are working in is quite warm and draft free. Do not wear rings or bracelets.
2 Pre-soak the raisins in warm water in a bowl, just covering the top of the raisins.
3 Mix the flour, eggs, oil and salt. Add water and mix into dough. Turn out on floured board and knead for 10 minutes. Brush with melted butter and place in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 45 minutes.
4 Put a fabric tablecloth on your table that hangs over the sides. Dust with flour and place the dough in the center. Flour your rolling pin and roll out to approximately 8" diameter.
5 Put your hands under the dough. Using the tops of your hands, gently pull the dough towards you. Generously brush the top of the dough with melted butter while you are doing this. Try not to make holes. Keep walking around the table, picking up and pulling the circle of dough until it is paper thin and you can see through it. It should be quite large. Grammy used to pull it to at least 6 feet across and ended up with a streudel about 3 feet long.
6 Sprinkle the dough all over with apples, some sugar, cinnamon and raisins. Drizzle melted butter over all. Walk around the table and trim off the thick edges with a scissor.
7 Lifting the edges of the tablecloth, fold the dough hanging over the edge of the table up and over the filling. Do this all the way around. Then pick the tablecloth up from one side. Use the tablecloth to roll the streudel and start rolling the streudel up completely. Seal the edges.
8 Place streudel onto pan (if large, make it horseshoe shaped). Bake at 350 for 45 to 55 minutes.

Once cooled you can top with powdered sugar, ice cream or whipped cream.
9 NOTES: You can roll one large streudel as this recipe says and then cut into smaller streudels after baking, or you can divide dough into 2 or 3 balls before letting it rest. Then roll out 3 individual streudels. If you have a large enough table it is easier to roll once and divide later. 
**The size of the table also determines the size you can roll. Great Grammy had a 60" plus round oak table that she used, while Grammy had a smaller rectangular table. If you have a smaller table, definitely divide dough into at least 2 balls.
The Poppet hasn't tried Streudel but loves her apple...