Mardi Sommerfeld

Small improvements, major joy...

2010-08-20T13:38:00.012+10:00

Right after we moved into this house Lovely Husband and I did some plumbing work on our kitchen sink - changing the stiff and dripping 1970's taps to a smooth, dry mixer tap. The incredible joy I felt every time I used the new tap lasted for months, it was like a major kitchen renovation in my mind. This lampshade installed by Macgreg, has given me a similar feeling. Cooking dinner has never looked so bright and cheery (and large shadow created by own head has vanished). The old lighting was totally useless and the improvement was simple and soooo satisfying. I was the witness to this job, looking on in awe and loving him like mad for making my day...

While work on this sculpture (by Alex Knox) is on hold for a couple of weeks, Macgreg and I are attempting to get a few things done around the place.

We inherited this house with a rusted and leaking roof that needed a huge section of iron replaced. I was the apprentice roof plumber to Macgreg on the recent chosen day. No photos to show as I was completely freezing, rather cranky and was just wishing it was all over and done with. Up on the roof, bending metal with a small tool in Winter for hours on end was not my idea of fun. We are a team though, and I felt the need to contribute to the ongoing house improvements, not just leave the crap jobs to Macgreg. New iron on roof, not much joy, enough said.

Much joy has been felt by all (actually, mainly me) by the replacement of the old tracks and rollers on the kitchen sliding door... Hadn't been changed in forty years and was completely worn out- heavy, noisy and bumpy. We have 2 more doors that need doing - I'll be ecstatic when they're done.

We also inherited a leaky pool with the house. Had a guy come out to detect the source of the leak and now we are in the midst of fixing the problem. Not a lot of joy yet, particularly for Macgreg who will be down the muddy hole chipping away at cement and sleeving pipes etc (that's plumbing talk, he he)

We have also done some re-fencing lately, which I can say I was a big part of the actual doing, not just the support team who mainly watches and makes cups of tea. The joy in this job comes from the addition to our family of a small, gorgeous dog who we are all completely in love with. It's a bit like having a new baby - everyone cooing and cuddling him - but without the sleeplessness and sore nipples. Our fencing keeps the dogs in and the rabbits out of the vegie garden area.

New front door handle - brilliant. (it's the little things that make me happy)

The joy of having an inside laundry is obvious. A recent and much enjoyed improvement to our lives.

And lastly - the crochet border is finished on the marriage blanket. The blanket itself is 7 winters old but now it's finally finished. Although I can't claim to have done all the crocheting myself as Macgreg had a go one night when I was out.

Stay tuned for more joy as we tackle a fairly major building project - Sunday's bungalow... Supposed to be done by Xmas..hmmmmm.

More Good Things About Winter...

2010-07-12T14:51:00.002+10:00

I'm re-teaching myself crochet for the 5th winter in a row - I always think I've forgotten how, then after a short study of the book and a few stitches it all comes flooding back.
Other good things - Husband's weekend frittata, sneaking into the movies with Sue, sleeping in on the school hols under fab new doona, researching the east coast for prospective camping adventure in Dec and starting back at yoga this morning with the lovely Annie.

Meet 'Blue'...

2010-06-22T15:26:00.006+10:00

Had to do a post about our new family member! 'Blue' is a 16 month old Blue Heeler x Jack Russell who was in need of a home - one with another dog, kids to play with, room to retrieve a stick and a family to adore him... which we all do. Bella is flirting like mad too. He is such a sweet, little dog. He sometimes sits on my lap when I'm on the computer and he makes for Olive's bed at night knowing he'll be cuddled til morning. He picked up my undies off the bedroom floor this morning and threw them across the room - other than that, a model dog!

Winter Sun...

2010-06-11T18:09:00.004+10:00

I can just cope with Melbourne Winter if I have - a few woolen undergarments, regular casseroles, soups and curries, great novels to escape with, kindling, fruity reds, fluffy, soft scarves, episodes of 'the Modern family' to watch in bed, a good pouffy doona, projects to knit and occasional sunny days even if it's still freezing cold. I've never lived before in a house so well positioned for the winter sun. We all gravitate to spots where we can soak up a few rays to warm the bones...

What about sunbaking in bed?

Mmmmmn roll on Spring...

Visit to Heide

2010-06-07T11:06:00.011+10:00

Despite the rain on Sat afternoon Macgreg and I made a trip to Heide Museum of Modern Art. Something we'd been meaning to do since we moved to Eltham - only took us 18 months to get there...We'd both been there a number of times before in much better weather, to see particular shows and to picnic on the beautiful hillside. Our main purpose this time was to join a tour of the 'Sunday's Kitchen' exhibition, as Kate had given me the book for my birthday. I also wanted to see Simryn Gill's show 'Gathering'.

We wandered around the original farmhouse, saw some great paintings and only casually listened to the tour speaker talking of life and routines of the Heide folk. Afterwards we headed for the gardens. We checked out which vegies were growing and the state of the grounds... Then headed into the galleries. I really enjoy Simryn Gill's work, she has a unique perspective and is a prolific artist using many different mediums - and her work makes me laugh. I was snapping away with my digital camera at my hip until the security woman told me off. With an upcoming blog on my mind I only took a couple more after that.

After a brief rest with feet up in the gallery shop we wandered a little longer in the gardens. I'm usually inspired by something I've seen in an exhibition and while the work we saw at Heide was very good it was the colours of Autumn/Winter that excited me the most.
(Sunny tells me that blogging about Nature is boring - it might be my age but sorry, I can't help it)

New surroundings...

2010-06-01T17:37:00.005+10:00

Since my last blog in 2007 we have made a big move to an acre of land, with room to breathe, ride a billycart, throw the frizbee, have a decent sized vegie garden and a few chooks. It feels good. I have taken many photos since living here and I thought it was high time to get back on the blogging horse and post a few. Big hello and warm welcome to my dear friends who don't reside in Melbourne but who do tune in here from time to time. xxx

Country life...

2007-12-01T10:31:00.001+11:00

We arrived late one night to find 2 Eastern Rosellas in our bathroom, one dead on the floor, the other died the next morning. We figure they must have flown in down the chimney and then couldn't escape. We all felt very sad for them imagining their suffering. Olive and Macgreg gave them a good send off, a peaceful spot to lie. Took ages to clean up the house as they had poohed ALL over the place.... When we dont inhabit the house for a few weeks the small creatures move in.

Belongil, our old home...

2007-11-16T14:57:00.000+11:00

Can't string many words together today but I do have pictures.... Byron holiday was lovely and relaxing, hardly cooked, hung out with Petrina, read and swam a little, weather was all over the place... but still warm and gorgeous and lush, unlike dry old Melbourne. Here are pics of Belongil beach where we lived 2 years ago... We went back to explore and found new graffitti, an adapted meditation hut (made by an elderly local man who became our friend) and the same gorgeous beach that we spent so much time on.

This meditation spot was previously shaded by an umbrella. In a king tide it gets partially destroyed and then rebuilt and slightly altered. We were happy to see the new model, further into the dune and incorporating washed up boogie boards, an old pepper grinder, fake flowers and a walking boot.
Click on any pic to enlarge....

Aahh Belongil... it's always very hard to leave.

off to Byron...

2007-11-02T14:58:00.000+11:00

I know there hasn't been much blogging from me lately, sorry Jool, but there has been lots happening.... Babies being born, dress up parties, kid with the flu, exercise, sewing, knitting, lots of photos taken. But stay tuned for some Byron photos- we are heading up there in the morning and we are all very excited... Kind of feels like going home, to our other home... looking forward to getting in that soft, warm water... ah, can't wait. x

Hedwig & Sunday

Main Ridge...

2007-10-15T14:02:00.000+10:00

Daisies...

2007-10-04T14:19:00.000+10:00

A Day in Pictures...

2007-09-23T18:08:00.000+10:00

After my back giving up on me and Macgreg getting the flu we took a couple of days off together in Main Ridge to recover...Thank you Ced ! By Saturday morning we both felt alot better. We woke very early to a gorgeous sunny day, lazed about til we got hungry then planned our brekky.

With cooking underway and bit of housework happening we made the gruesome discovery of a MOUSE family in the bottom of our laundry cupboard! Gross, to say the least. Macgreg quickly organised an escape route to outside for them while I leapt about squealing and generally freaking out. I'm normally quite brave (I think) but I hate the idea of one running up my leg and going who knows where... Macgreg suggested I get my camera as I was not being any help otherwise.

Our good intentions for the rodents were thwarted by Bella who was waiting patiently outside for her catch. She actually caught a couple and a few relatives escaped to the bush.

We calmed down enough to eat lunch then decided on a walk which is now part of my daily back fixing routine.(I've been a bit slack lately and its gone to the dogs!)

We got to the end of our drive and while I was busy taking this photo of my handiwork with a jigsaw Macgreg started yelling at the dogs and doing a bit of leaping about of his own.

The dogs were sniffing at this lengthy, shiny Tiger snake! My heart was pounding again in fear but not too badly that I couldn't take the photo. It moved off slowly into the bush and we got going, yet every stick and twig after that looked like a deadly viper to me..

Whenever we head down the drive the steers in our adjoining paddock come over to say hello...

Macgreg likes a chat with them but I know I'm the true cow whisperer...

More grass trees... And happy dogs...

The girls were delivered down to us by Ced and later Macgreg headed back to town. That left the girls and I to make a fire outside and eat chicken soup under the stars and a brilliant half moon.

Another action packed and lovely day in the country....

Cloud Woman...

2007-09-13T19:57:00.001+10:00

Thank you Olive !! xxx

Spring is here...

2007-09-10T10:36:00.000+10:00

Mostly I've been head down, obsessing over my NEW COMPUTER !!!! But, on Saturday, as it was a beautiful Spring day we headed to the Botanic gardens for a picnic. So lovely to lie about in the sun after what feels like a long Winter... It was very enjoyable and relaxing although we had a few tense moments with an intimidating black swan determined to join in on our bagettes.

Anyway, now back to my new Macbook! Macgreg has been teaching me how to operate Photoshop and I've been working on some composite images incorporating clouds etc.. All very exciting. I'm feeling good, part of the modern world and enjoying learning new skills to help my photography move along. And, I can take my laptop to Main Ridge to keep in touch down there and for M and I to watch the occasional movie in bed...

4 Lovely Ladies...

2007-08-31T11:22:00.000+10:00

This was taken at a recent 'Aunties and Nieces' outing... They spent the afternoon at Luna Park for Olive's 7th birthday. The 4 of them all have a very special bond. I'm not anyone's niece and also no-ones Aunty, not yet... But I really look forward to becoming one !!

Father's day...

2007-08-30T17:35:00.000+10:00

In a matter of days it will be Father's day. My lovely Dad died 4 months ago now. He didn't believe in Father's day, thought it was a load of consumerist crap. But, I always rang him at some point or sent a msg to let him know I was thinking of him. And I think he liked it. I'm still thinking of him, reminded constantly by so many things and actually picked up my phone last week to call him and then remembered. Sometimes I try not to think about him as it's physically painful to do so. I would so wish to go back in time, just a year or so to spend a little more time with him.
I wonder where he might be now and if he's alright. I wonder if he is with me sometimes. We spent 41 years being strongly connected, I had him to turn to and him to laugh with. Some days I feel the rug has been so swiftly pulled out from under me that I'm lost, wondering who I am now without him. I was always Pete Sommerfeld's daughter, and very proud to be so. On Sunday morning I will make a pot of tea, some casalinga toast with marmalade, think of him some more and send him love.

Lunar Eclipse...

2007-08-29T17:11:00.000+10:00

We all spent a good deal of time last night outside checking on the moon. It was a very beautiful sight, despite the misty cloud at times. When the eclipse part was over and the sky completely cleared, the moon was amazing- a gorgeous sphere of orangey red. Apparently, the total eclipse won't be seen again here again for another 4 years. This pic is from The Age online.

Matsuri Day...

2007-08-22T10:39:00.000+10:00

Once a year Olive's school celebrates Matsuri day- a Japanese festival, with traditional dress and activities. It was Olive's first day back at school after being sick with the flu for the entire week before. She is looking a little wan and on the slim side but the outfit stayed on for a few hours at least and a really fun day was had.

Midwinter warmth...

2007-08-22T09:50:00.000+10:00

Last Saturday, Macgreg and I took the girls to a movie but instead of sitting through 90 mins of kids entertainment, we saw them to their seats and arranged a pick up time. Brilliant! All happy. After a must-do visit to FJ's, our local hardware with everything, we walked down the Rosebud pier, sat in the sun warming our bones and drinking tea, marvelling at the colour of the sea, the puffy clouds and the mad teenage girls jumping in...

"If you travel more than 2 kms from home, a thermos of tea is a must" - Alan Burrage. This is something my grandpa lived by and Macgreg has taken it on and is keeping the ritual alive.

Mother of a Teenager...

2007-07-30T10:19:00.000+10:00

Sunday turned thirteen yesterday. I'm not sure that I'm grown up enough to have a teenage daughter, but at the same time that makes me feel quite old. Here she is in her fluro outfit for her friend's party on Saturday night. We celebrated yesterday with gifts and dinner at a Thai restaurant with all the family. I'm very proud to be her Mum and to witness her growing into a very lovely young woman. Happy Birthday my sweet.

Out Walking...

2007-07-27T17:50:00.000+10:00

Earlier this week Macgreg and I got to spend two glorious days and one luxurious night at Main Ridge- ON OUR OWN. (thank you Ced). After much lazing about by the fire for the first 24 hours, we went on a great walk through the Mornington Peninsula National Park which borders the end of our road. This post is primarily for Joey and Jool who may be missing the Australian bush. Here are a few pics to remind you both of our unique and beautiful surroundings down here... and yes, it was very cold.

We came across some hilarious hairy beasts... and quite a few kangas.

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The whole of Main Ridge is filled with "grass trees" which just happen to be one of my faves.

Too many cuppas before we left...

Passing Tanker.

Nothing like a short doze by the fire after a lovely, long walk...

It was very hard to leave that night for home.....

Bonfire Bash...

2007-07-19T10:43:00.001+10:00

The big bonfire finally happened. A couple of Saturdays ago we went ahead despite torrential rain leading right up til our guests arrived. It all went off very well, just how Macgreg and I had hoped. The party was to celebrate the Big "M" turning 50 and our engagement. We were thrilled that so many turned up in such dreadful conditions (initially) and kicked on, some til mid afternoon the following day. There were kids and babies, curries and wine, stars and spitting rain, tents pitched, sparklers, endless Knox brothers, my sisters and lovely friends to share it all with. And there were flames!! It was very exciting lighting our teatree heart together. Macgregor brings wonderful things to my life and this night was certainly one of them. I was very happy for my lovely Fiance too, that he got his birthday wish- to have a huge, blazing bonfire to mark his 50 years. Love you Mr. xx

The heart was fairly dry but to help it along we inserted sparklers and fire lighters, and a little fuel to drop down and ignite the rest...

Winter Clouds...

2007-07-18T16:33:00.001+10:00

After spending ages this morning writing my story for the bonfire blog, it all vanished into cyberspace. Extremely frustrating !! So, for now here are a few recent clouds. I will attempt a rewrite soon.

Cow and Cloud....

2007-07-16T11:35:00.000+10:00

We are back home after 12 days at Main Ridge.... Very reluctant to return to the city. We had some beautiful clear days and some excessively rainy days... We ate, drank, sat by the fire, watched movies, took photos and knitted. We also had our 50th Birthday, M & M engagement, Winter Solstice Big Bonfire Bash... more on that later.

Autumn Clouds...

2007-07-01T17:13:00.000+10:00

We had an extended, gorgeous Autumn this year with many spectacular skies. Our front paddock at Main Ridge is a great spot to capture the last light of the day....

Button Necklace...

2007-06-29T10:51:00.000+10:00

It's cold, it's Winter and there's only so much complaining, knitting of scarves, grieving and crying, soup cooking, snuggling up with your partner and bad tv watching a woman can do in the evenings....!
Thought it might be time for a bit of craft. This is something that was passed on to me by an artsy crafty friend, Jo.
Good way to use up all those odd buttons you have tucked away and the brighter the colours, the better. I use a strong poly thread for mine as I think it sits better than the tigertail wire. Happy threading. xx

Wild...

2007-06-26T21:28:00.001+10:00

My friend Joey, in England is married to a lovely chap, Richard who, once he became aware of my keen interest in clouds, put me onto the "Cloud Appreciation Society" website... This is one I found among many, which are amazing - I recommend a browse through a few if you're at all interested in the natural world. Or, if you are in need of some distraction from your real life for a few minutes....

Missing Biggy...

2007-06-23T14:59:00.001+10:00

I'm really missing my Dad today. He visits me in my dreams and I wake with a heavy heart. I wrote a section for my speech at his funeral about all the things I'd miss about him. I left that part out as I wasn't sure I'd get through it without bawling in front of everyone. Now I'm living those things and know what they are all too well.

I really miss: seeing his face, talking to him for ages on the phone, him being with my girls, having him here in our house, laughing with him - we laughed together so much- his rich voice, just hanging around together, drinking cups of tea, him greeting us at the airport, his big hugs, his beautiful hands and lovely smile...... I can bear not to have him any longer but my life now is changed. I'm trying to accept the loss and trying hard to feel blessed for everything that was good.
But my heart is aching.

Day out with Aunty Lee...

2007-06-21T20:20:00.000+10:00

My lovely friend Lee invited me to see the "Australian Impressionists" exhibition at the NGV today. It was something Biggy and I had planned to do together after his move down to Melbourne. I was going to hire a wheelchair and push him around proudly. It is one of my regrets that we didn't get to do this. We have seen many exhibitions together over the years and I know he would've loved this one.

'A Holiday At Mentone' Charles Conder 1888.

We looked at many, many beautiful paintings from the late 1800's.The most impressive work, Lee and I agreed were by Arthur Streeton, Charles Conder and the delicate, feminine paintings by Jane Sutherland.

'Sunlight Sweet', Coogee
Arthur Streeton 1890

'The Fatal Colours'
Charles Conder 1888.

We were starving after all that ART and popped upstairs for a very delicious lunch at the "Chocolate Budda".
My chats with Lee are always interesting... there really isn't a subject I can think of that we wouldn't discuss, although sometimes I wish we weren't eating while we talk...!

Another great day in the history of our friendship.....

A few clouds....

2007-06-19T17:54:00.000+10:00

On days when the sky is grey, the sun has not disappeared forever.

Arnaud Desjardins

A Winter Morning...

2007-06-19T14:42:00.000+10:00

There are those of us who are early risers, And others who have great difficulty in facing the cold day ahead...

Going out for a 'Sisters' dinner tonight so stay tuned for a few more pics....

First Ever !

2007-06-18T21:02:00.000+10:00

* Heart Cloud - a much sought after phenomenon.

Welcome to my Blog. Thanks to my lovely sister Clare for getting me going.... There are a few reasons for my venture into the world of blogs: Firstly, for my good girlfriends who live far and away - its a wonderful way to keep up. Also, my beautiful Dad, Biggy wanted me to post my photos on the web for all to see. And, I want to do this for me.

* Our pet steers