Got my goat

My dad asked for a goat for christmas. We knew someone who could supply :-)

The baby girl goat is staying the night with us until she goes to my dad's. She's gorgeous and I do want to keep her. The cat likes her too but our little tiger is no match for the scared little hoofed creature and she's gone off sulking that someone else is on her turf. I'm sure they would make great friends if only we could keep her.

My dad has chickens and other birds but this is his first goat pet. She'll love it with him and my mum. Dad has made me promise not to tell mum. She's not good with surprises though. God knows when he will tell her she has a new addition to their family. He said he will tell her in a couple of weeks although I don't know how he will hide the bleating which does sound very much like a baby human.

Bless
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Grateful

What an awesome day. I hung out with my boyfriend. I met a new friend who was grateful for a hug. I cuddled the cat. I felt positive. I wore my new starry Marcs scarf. I ate ricotta and spinach cannelloni. I shared my positivity, I felt grateful, I planted parsley seeds.

The parsley pack told me to pour hot water on the soil once I have planted the seeds. This, they say, will help accelerate germination. Fingers crossed.

Happy days to you too.

Eve of the new year

We changed our minds and traveled to the beautiful alpine areas of Harrietville and Bright. I'm glad we did. I used to come here with my family when little and I used to think it was fairy land. I still do. I'm ignoring the crowds - yes, they are here but it can be easy to not let them affect me. I choose whether or not I am bothered by others.

We've driven up a dirt road where the boy does his fishing and I stand in the running alpine stream reading my book. Sitting on a log bought a few mozzies, and standing in the middle of the river is much more cooling.

I have to admit I abandoned the new years resolution for the last couple of years. I take it up again this year with a little ambivalence - I'll just see how I go. Nothing drastic - just the usual eat better, run better, love my enemy and all that jazz. I have been looking into improving my nutrition though and think this may take up a little obsession for a while. Whilst I love my job the stress can sometimes come out in odd ways - exhaustion, sores that don't heal, flues that don't leave, etc. I know my diet is not too bad but being a vegetarian it is so easy to grab the cheese and the bread. Today I drank a liter of water with chlorella which went rather nicely with my coffee and lamington - hey, it's not 2012 yet!

It's been a heavy year. Incredibly busy and hard for some of my dearest friends who have been affected by significant loss. I have grown so much from witnessing their incredible strength.

I wish everyone well for 2012. For us it's pork chops for the boy and vegetarian sausages and kumera wrapped in foil in the fire for me; as well as a good natter and a swim.

X

Driving and drifting

Back on the road yesterday after being in the city for quite a few days. It was a bit of a tough decision to go to the alpine region or follow the coast but we've decided to stay on the coast. It's pretty full with other keen holiday-makers but we have our own little secret spot that we go to for a few days each year that's a little out of the way of the crowds. There's no rush to get home although I am kind of missing the cat.

Bye bye city

It's our last night in Melbourne and I am a bit bummed really. There really is a lot to see and do and I could do with a couple of extra days, even though we have already extended our visit by two nights.

We hit the NGV today and I made sure I got in some contemporary exhibits as well as some of the older pieces. I always feel so satisfied when I have visited a gallery or two.

I've taken a shot of the bike station - I wish Sydney was as bike friendly. Sadly we are so far behind Melbourne. Sydney feels like a place where only serious road cyclists and bike couriers can survive. It's sad really.

Even though I'm feeling like I want to stay I'm also looking forward to going into the country-side again. I just have no idea where we will end up next!

Stay tuned...

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Graf this...

It wouldn't be a trip to Melbourne without a lane full of gorgeous colour. This lane was a cracker - and check out the amazing lovers sculpture on the entrance of a building. Eye-popping.

Rapunzels

I'm loving the Melbourne GPO building's promotional images - huge Rapunzels hanging from the roof, clocks, ropes and balconies. Such a lovely building with beautiful shops with clothes that are way out of my price-range. Oh well, one can dream...