tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492307139958980062012-02-05T10:02:15.062+10:00Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.comBlogger1781100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-66338224082142523102012-02-05T10:00:00.000+10:002012-02-05T10:00:15.728+10:00

About eighteen months ago I hosted an afternoon tea for my mother on her sixtieth birthday.  My cousin, Miss E, was only about six at the time and while her mother was invited to the party, Miss E was a bit too young for a grown up gathering.  So, I promised her I would do a special morning tea just for her and me.  Well, I finally got around to it.  I wanted to make an event out of it; set up a

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-89456569690019166412012-01-07T11:02:00.000+10:002012-01-07T11:02:35.183+10:00

Blinkin the dog with a wonky gob and the sweetest expression.  Blinkin went to baby Jimmy for Christmas. Bunyip with his new caretaker Donna.  Bunyip began as a dog but when he evolved four nostrils I thought perhaps he was better off as a aquatic monster.  The other puppet dogs would laugh at him.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-49324127147342287372012-01-02T11:21:00.000+10:002012-01-02T11:21:07.296+10:00

In 2012, every day I will: Go for a walk Write in my journal Stick to my budget Feel free to share your resolutions in the comments sections...I look forward to reading them :)

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-39152468645354412552011-12-24T19:11:00.000+10:002011-12-24T19:11:56.537+10:00

No matter which specific event you celebrate this festive season, or even if you're just enjoying the time off work; have a very safe and joyful end of 2011! Best wishes for 2012... Love, Claire

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-4918251678806247102011-11-26T16:02:00.000+10:002011-11-26T16:02:36.693+10:00

I looooove events like Collectorama.  I find that it's sometimes difficult to locate antique dealers in South East Queensland and when you do, it's hard to know what they've got in stock without making like a Leyland Brother and travelling all over the countryside to find out.  So, it's lovely to see so many in the one place. I set myself a budget.  I'm not going to tell you how much because some

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-28678644717582321062011-11-26T15:25:00.000+10:002011-11-26T15:25:28.878+10:00

Mum and I took a drive up to Mt Tamborine for some antique hunting.  Apart from providing a much needed brush-up on the techniques of negotiating mountain roads in a dinky vehicle, we found some great little stores and visited Gallery Walk for a bite of lunch and a wee browse.  This is my haul: A set of five Jadeite bowls, two pin-cushions (one is a present) a darning ball, Cumquat Marmalade

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-44817305500378111562011-08-27T14:02:00.000+10:002011-08-27T14:02:47.300+10:00

It's been raining for the last couple of weeks; finally, after three months of not even a spit!The lawn was brown and crispy but the nasturtiums were loving it.  Now they've gone bananas! Ol' man parsley wasn't too happy either until I put him up on the rack. The Hen and chick flowers are one of my favourites. But my real joy comes from the crucifix orchids which were also suffering but are

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-18517797261202753252011-08-21T11:18:00.000+10:002011-08-21T11:18:02.239+10:00

Legwarmers made using Ripples Crafts sock yarn in Strawberries & Cream.  Mum bought the yarn on our visit to Helen in Clachtol while we were away and had them finished by the time we met up again in London.  That reminds me, I haven't done a travel blog yet... The beginnings of a swatch blanket of which the boss approves. Back panel of Phinney; my first ever jumper!  I'm well into the front

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-73785460457328678152011-08-21T11:04:00.000+10:002011-08-21T11:04:38.544+10:00

I decided I wanted to go as the Artful Dodger for Oliver Twist and this is my take on it: I even put charcoal on my face and hands to look dirty.  The hardest bit was trying to make my hair messy; clean, bolt straight hair just doesn't cooperate!By the way, that coat is 1940s burgundy velvet and only the second time I've been able to wear it seeing as I live in a place where heavy coats are

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-32505190381941657162011-08-21T10:58:00.000+10:002011-08-21T10:58:16.282+10:00

After a couple of false starts my second chair arrived on Wednesday!  It's Danish and very comfortable.  The only thing is the cushions slip easily so I'm working on a way to limit the slip without damaging the chair itself. I've rearranged the entire lounge room too so now I have a cosy nook under the floor lamp where all my knitting bits are close at hand.  For now, Spots McGee (the blue chair)

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-42953234093634328152011-08-07T09:37:00.000+10:002011-08-07T09:37:00.976+10:00

My 'new' 1950s (I think it's Fleur) Oak framed chair taking pride of place next to my stash box in the loungeroom. There is another, far more collectible, European and therefore expensive chair going to keep this one company and it'll be delivered fairly soon.  I'll keep you posted. :)

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-23146261399347800612011-08-07T09:30:00.002+10:002011-08-07T09:30:38.511+10:00

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-66401805125395043022011-06-21T09:10:00.000+10:002011-06-21T09:10:38.811+10:00

Photos from the trip here: https://picasaweb.google.com/clairepetersen2?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLb7a-AmMCiKQ Enjoy!

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-52400961171007031982011-06-03T12:20:00.000+10:002011-06-03T12:20:14.122+10:00

Well, I'm back...and my front too!  Did you miss me?  Probably not seeing as I was a whinging shite over the last few months.  But I've done the trip now and I'm looking forward to getting back into things here at home and on the blog.  (Just to clarify, I did actually enjoy the trip but four and a half weeks of travelling is a long time for me and I am glad to be back.) So, this is like New Year

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-20736449605124165552011-03-27T21:01:00.000+10:002011-03-27T21:01:11.764+10:00

Have you ever been in the position where every bloody thing that's been on the boil for months finally comes to a head at the same time?  Well, that's where I am presently.  Work, holiday, home, health; everything!  It's just too much and far too hard.  So, I'm putting off some things; important things but those less critical. For example, after months of having a room ad up on a share house site

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-63147033778342822252011-03-19T10:12:00.000+10:002011-03-19T10:12:07.291+10:00

Pati O'Furniture's birthday mini scarf.  Fitted after the scarf was finished but don't you know asymmetry is chic, dahling! WIP body wrap scarf.  My own design and is currently finished except for the buttons.  Once I find them I'll post a picture of what it looks like while being worn.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-78324017778716187702011-03-19T09:59:00.000+10:002011-03-19T09:59:31.754+10:00

With pleasure, Arj.  Thank goodness I was in a better mood this time!  Opening night is always fun...for me anyway.  There's new material to be tested and the 'easiness' of the audience to be ascertained.  As Arj said himself, "You're not giving it away for free and I respect that" *shrug*.  And I have a Thing for positive comedy.  It's fun and doesn't threaten your karma.  Arj's show is

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-48759927044022823652011-03-18T15:47:00.000+10:002011-03-18T15:47:42.101+10:00

I wish I had been in a better frame of mind when I went to see this show. It had been a massive day and I was exhausted.  Unfortunately, I think it had a negative influence on my comedy enjoyment that evening. Messenger was a good show - I've yet to see a bad show from Danny Bhoy - but my laughs were moderate.  The rest of the audience was having a GREAT time so that should tell you something. 

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-53209457434585165452011-03-07T11:16:00.000+10:002011-03-07T11:16:58.508+10:00

Denise was great.  I'd never seen her perform prior to this show but it'd been on my To Do list for quite a while.  I felt like I was sitting with Denise over a cuppa while she was telling her stories; just like I did when I read All That Happened at Number 26. If you ever get the opportunity, please do see one of her shows.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-57942744924349504622011-02-05T08:31:00.000+10:002011-02-05T08:31:01.733+10:00

I was dreaming of a mine field which looked just like my back yard.  I was picking my way slowly and carefully across it; very, very anxiously.  Over the grass and past the clothes line with the concrete path.  Ahead was the old dunny trellis and the small gate that promised freedom.  A whole lot of other people ran in a group across the same ground but with flagrant disregard for the dangers in

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-6194631491537616372011-01-30T14:48:00.000+10:002011-01-30T14:48:27.747+10:00

The End Result! Green Genie - 50% Merino / 50% SilkThis was supposed to be called Giselle Somerville (named for and inspired by the Wilderness series character) but the greens I used were too close so I had to add some midnight blue.  I wanted more yellow for vibrant grass greens along with the turquoise.  Alas, it was not to be.  I will give Giselle another go at a later date...I think the yarn

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-33955216384978209372011-01-16T10:19:00.000+10:002011-01-16T10:19:58.065+10:00

My friend Gail had her house almost entirely flooded this week.  Of her two story home there was perhaps one and a half metres that wasn't affected; and that's from the ceiling down.  I don't have any photos to share as I'm a might touchy about exploiting the tragedies of other people but I can say that the damage wreaked by the waters was tremendous.  Stinking mud is everywhere.  If you think of

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-44986390560927601202011-01-12T15:13:00.000+10:002011-01-12T15:13:36.753+10:00

Spent all of today feeling useless.  Useless because as much as I want to help other people with the flood, I'd be more of a hindrance than help at this stage.  While we all wait for the peak to arrive and the subsidence thereafter; I have got to stay busy.  I found my garden path this morning by spending two hours pulling overgrown grass, leggy ground cover and liberally smearing myself with mud

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-36938802624414252002011-01-11T14:27:00.000+10:002011-01-11T14:27:39.826+10:00

Please spare a thought, prayer or donation for those who've lost their homes, businesses, belongings and loved ones to the Queensland floods.  Central Queensland has already seen their share over the past few weeks. The town of Toowoomba was slammed by flash flooding yesterday.  There have been at least 13 deaths and there are over 70 people missing from that one disaster. Here in Brisbane it's

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-74806644664410923152010-12-11T16:17:00.000+10:002010-12-11T16:17:36.462+10:00

It was nice until pairs of animals started to queue at the front door.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-90483771430911058182010-10-30T16:45:00.000+10:002010-10-30T16:45:17.851+10:00

'Orchid Orchard' and 'Swimming Pool' These were made at the yarn dyeing workshop I attended a couple of weeks ago.  I enjoyed it so much that I'm planning to dye my own yarn as yet another hobby. :D

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-70499917177629397042010-10-29T13:56:00.000+10:002010-10-29T13:56:56.269+10:00

 Cups, cups, cups, cups, cups....  Aunty Bronwyn and Mum sharing a joke with the other ladies  RED VELVET CAKE!!!!!!!!!  Mum opening one of her presents  The red crucifix orchid has finally opened!  Isn't he a beaut?!  So, as you can see the tea party for Mum's 60th birthday was a roaring success!  It was colourful and well attended (although my photos aren't the greatest)

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-9715890896156681012010-10-22T14:41:00.001+10:002010-10-22T14:42:28.436+10:00

The tea party for Mum's 60th birthday is this Sunday so I've been flat out preparing.  I'll post a report with photos next week but in the interim, here are some of my up and coming reads.  In all honesty, I've managed to fill half a book shelf with unread or partially read books so this is just a sample of those I'm really excited about! :) Actually, I've just bought my second copy of The

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-63099876104174498522010-09-05T09:42:00.000+10:002010-09-05T09:42:23.209+10:00

I'm in the middle of planning a tea party for Mum's 60th birthday.  It was supposed to be a surprise but she figured it out.  The invitations are done and I'm quite proud of them.  They're handmade and hand written and here are some pictures... And in more detail... The colour panel on the front opens from the bottom to create two message spaces.  The actual invitation is cheesy and rhymes but

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-76609530027440587012010-08-30T14:57:00.002+10:002010-09-05T09:42:46.905+10:00

The second best photo ever taken of me EVER is now my profile picture.  Yes, it is a corporate photo.  Yes, I do know that using a corporate photo as my blog picture is more than a little bit tragic but no, I don't care.  This is what happens when a professional graphic designer retouches your photo.I actually have a very spotty chin but you can't see it because the graphic designer is a kind

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-40962594208211913412010-08-02T18:04:00.000+10:002010-08-02T18:04:43.280+10:00

I really want to show you the end result of my first ever knitting project but it will have to wait for a little while.  I'm not sure how frequently the person for whom I knitted it reads this blog and I don't want to ruin the surprise for them so, I'm keeping it to myself for a bit. On the other hand, I can certainly show you the beginnings of my next project.  I'm planning a wrap around scarf

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-46981939629726548862010-07-18T17:36:00.000+10:002010-07-18T17:36:11.520+10:00

This is my current project!  I'm restoring/refinishing a set of three dining chairs that once belonged to my Gran.  They are mostly the same lime green colour she painted them yonks ago and I still haven't decided how I'll finish them but for now I'm just scraping and sanding...scraping and sanding.  Dad's been a great help; he gives me tips and demonstrates what he's talking about but I'm doing

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-54251292685966334042010-07-18T17:26:00.000+10:002010-07-18T17:26:36.301+10:00

My cousin, Elizabeth, turns six this week and she celebrated with a full-blown kids party complete with magician, face painting, a jumping castle, patty-cakes and lots of other kiddies!  I was official photographer for the day and while I took truck loads of photos I'll share this one with you:  Elizabeth (seen here as a crocodile) and her mum and dad, Lindy and Mark.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-30139554463022749682010-06-28T15:15:00.000+10:002010-06-28T15:15:59.759+10:00

The Introduction to Book Binding course was held this weekend past and I was there with bells on. There were nine participants and two instructors taking part and we were all keen as mustard. When we were asked our reasons and interests in book binding our most common answers were restoration and artist books. We made case bound books with English joints and we made them from scratch. This

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-10608817684000217262010-06-14T09:15:00.000+10:002010-06-14T09:15:53.736+10:00

When I was growing up, Mum would regularly have a wedding cake baking and the royal icing rolled out on the kitchen table.  There'd be all sorts of decorating and icing paraphernalia spread throughout the kitchen on those days and she would sit at the table on a high stool and draw the squiggly bits of piped icing onto the side of the cake in between vibrant lengths of ribbon.  On top sat either

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-68243983365634274722010-06-02T12:42:00.000+10:002010-06-02T12:42:45.621+10:00

Looky what I found on the Trading Post website last week!  It's a sensational vintage china cabinet with leadlight glass doors, drawers and the rest!  There are a couple of little bits of veneer that I need to stick down with PVA glue and it looks like it's been used for fifty years but well taken care of but you'll never guess how much they were asking.  Go on...how much?  WRONG! (unless you

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-86267330343693053532010-04-29T19:24:00.000+10:002010-04-29T19:24:18.445+10:00

Blimey.  Lately I've had an absolute pig of a time trying to write anything at all so I apologise for my absence; it was a motivation thing.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-4295455725789352182010-04-29T19:21:00.001+10:002010-04-29T19:24:46.696+10:00

You know, I have to say I like Jack Absolute. He’s a spirited chap. Man’s man, ladies man, man about town and he’s got more lives than a cat lady’s clutter. The Blooding of Jack Absolute takes us back to meet young Jack on his ancestral lands in Cornwall. He wasn’t always the privileged, canny hero with a talent for espionage. Back in the day was just a kid; much abused by his mean drunk of an

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-7561682329454193902010-04-29T19:14:00.000+10:002010-04-29T19:14:20.520+10:00

I cannot tell you just how angry the following current fashion trend makes me. I can try but it really won’t cover it. I’m talking about visible zippers in dresses and skirts. 60cm of black and metal zip etching a mineshaft from shoulder blades to arse-crack through what would have been an otherwise attractive garment. What the hell is going on here? Firstly, it looks like lazy dress-making; a

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-5938146203087157432010-03-16T10:44:00.002+10:002010-03-16T10:45:06.647+10:00

My friend Janice is a baker.  In her day job, she is a Cost Controller but I believe that she should be creating delicious desserts instead.  She makes the most amazing cakes (most recently and honeycomb cheesecake which was divine) and has even started her own business selling baking and cake decorating wares online. Baking Pleasures covers everything from piping nozzles to cupcake sleeves to

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-315696220991066392010-03-16T10:31:00.000+10:002010-03-16T10:31:38.661+10:00

I luuurrve writing with fountain pens.  In writing, I think there is nothing more enjoyable than using a well balanced, smooth and flowing pen.  The same can be said for ball points also but there is certainly an air of luxury with a fountain pen.  I now have three wonderful pens and as I said to my Mum when I bought the latest, I'm in danger of becoming a collector.  The pen on the left is my

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-44140484747804321962010-03-16T10:17:00.000+10:002010-03-16T10:17:17.588+10:00

Maiocchi is a fashion label local to Brisbane and is my absolute favourite! On Saturday, my friends and I were treated to an exclusive shopping session with The Lovely Kez at their city store.  It was a bitter-sweet affair as The Lovely Kez was working her final day at Maiocchi where she loves the company but desperately needs to get out of retail after many years of serving the general public. 

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-10422583925099598382010-03-16T09:48:00.000+10:002010-03-16T09:48:21.845+10:00

Mornin' everyone!Yesterday I had my wisdom teeth extracted so I'm at home and deliberately posting to get myself out of this laziness.  The dental work went very smoothly (in case you're wondering) and I was startled to see just how neat the teeth were.  I was expecting some gnarly, hammer-claw type roots but no; for once something went right as far as my teeth are concerned. So I thought I would

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-31826764897787648242010-03-03T10:25:00.003+10:002010-03-03T10:29:33.837+10:00

5 actors and actresses (still living) I would go to see even if their movie sucked!Chicks: Zooey Deschanel (500 Days of Summer, Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Good Girl), Toni Collette (United State of Tara, Muriel’s Wedding, The Black Balloon, Little Miss Sunshine, In Her Shoes), Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility, Stranger than Fiction, Brideshead Revisited), Catherine Parkinson (IT

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-63222096374087271192010-02-18T20:33:00.003+10:002010-02-18T20:39:58.811+10:00

After almost a decade in Manhattan, Martha returns to Paradise with Lily and Simon Ballentyne and her guardians, Nathaniel and Elizabeth Bonner. She is escaping the scandal of a broken engagement due in no small part to her mother, Jemima, and returns to find her home town devastated by flash flooding. But the town is rebuilt by those townsfolk who are able to lend their hands to labour and those

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-68551030718042206702010-02-18T20:28:00.002+10:002010-02-18T20:32:59.311+10:00

It’s the battle of Saratoga in the American Revolution and things are not going well for the English. Captain Jack Absolute is a soldier and spy for the Crown, simultaneously fighting and hunting a rebel spy called Diomedes. Absolute has his theories as to the spy’s identity or rather he’s absolutely certain it is Baron Adolphus Von Schlaben; a German officer fighting with the redcoats. Baron von

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-53583863147914392562010-02-08T15:56:00.002+10:002010-02-08T15:58:50.017+10:00

We’ve just had another weekend of heavy rain after an appallingly hot and humid Saturday morning. The first downpour came on Saturday afternoon cooling things down and soaking my dry laundry. By the time I got home from pagode rehearsal they were almost dry and seeing as the clouds looked like they were going to break up over night, I left them on the line. Then it rained solidly for most of the

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-76380170530365619732010-01-22T11:32:00.002+10:002010-01-22T11:33:41.445+10:00

Well, it looks like I’m well and truly hooked on historical fiction. My Lady Judge is set in 1509; a time when Brehon law was still practiced in the tightly knit communities of Gaelic Ireland. On the eve of Beltaine a murder is committed amid the festivities and while many of the revellers know something about the crime, no-one is talking. It’s up to Mara, Brehon of the Burren, to discover the

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-3191552444806348202010-01-20T19:42:00.003+10:002010-01-20T19:49:02.972+10:00

As promised, this is the wheelbarrow Dad gave me for festivus. It's pretty flippin' cool. As you can see, it is exactly the right height for me, it comes with plastic spanners for the wheel nuts and it's got holes in the side bit of the handle to stick stuff in (not big enough for beer). The only issue is that it's difficult to tip and move when really heavy but that's okay; I won't overload

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-89931583355382519772010-01-20T19:39:00.002+10:002010-01-20T19:40:15.649+10:00

Nobody Owens is taken into the custody of the graveyard and its inhabitants after he escapes the murder of his family. There the baby boy called Bod is raised by Silas (a vampire in all but name) and the entire population of graveyard ghosts. He is given freedom of the graveyard which means he can see, hear, commune with and, at times, behave like the ghosts he lives with. All this is meant to

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-59790085035092008722010-01-20T19:33:00.002+10:002010-01-20T19:38:28.172+10:00

All that Happened at Number 26 is a collection of stories from the life of Denise Scott while she and her family lived at Number 26. Actually, I think they still live there. Denise and her partner John bought Number 26 just after having their first child, Jordie, and since then their home has seen all sorts of renovations, a second child (daughter, Bonnie), an unforgettable 15th birthday party,

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-14791238535027593002010-01-19T20:21:00.001+10:002010-01-19T20:29:00.814+10:00

Hannah and Luke Bonner have found Jennet in the West Indies one year after her abduction from Nut Island. In that time, Jennet gave birth to Luke’s son, Nathan, and sent him away for his safety and her own. The Poiterins of New Orleans have Nathan and refuse to give him up; the repulsive, grasping, monsters that they are. War is once again around the corner but this time the English want New

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-41387804574403848912010-01-16T17:34:00.002+10:002010-01-16T17:44:18.679+10:00

I'm back at work after two weeks of holidays where I did very little else other than read a mountain of books, watch two entire series of Madmen and the fifth Grey's and put on weight around my middle section. I still have a three book reviews to post and I'll get some pictures up of my NEW OLD MOWER! Oh and I still haven't posted the snaps of the wheelbarrow my dad got me for festivus. Sounds

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-65169408956184905972010-01-11T20:33:00.002+10:002010-01-11T20:37:29.726+10:00

My latest fitness attempt. It's heaps of fun!

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-87152325919195123332010-01-11T20:20:00.003+10:002010-01-11T20:33:39.527+10:00

I love a good animation. They’re generally fun and I always marvel at the talent of the people who put them together. Fantastic Mr Fox is no exception. It is particularly lovely in that it has a warm, vintage feel (circa 1960s, I think) and it's stop motion so it has that wonderful handmade quality to it.Based on a Roald Dahl book and directed by Wes Anderson (he’s the guy who did Darjeeling

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-88564952740259825822009-12-31T16:58:00.002+10:002009-12-31T17:22:34.343+10:00

John Dodge buys ailing businesses, turns them around then sells them again; moving on to the next project usually within two years. He has bought a pen shop called Scrivener's in Lambert Square; a small part of a small town in South Carolina. There he meets Julia Darrow; the enigmatic owner of Cocoon - a boutique linen shop - and only other resident of Lambert Square. Julia is a shut in who is

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-46529254098107197162009-12-31T16:44:00.002+10:002009-12-31T16:57:34.421+10:00

For my final posts of 2009 I'm offering up some book reviews! Both books are Sara Donati's work and the first, Fire Along the Sky, is another in the Into the Wilderness series.Ten years have passed since Hannah was married and left Lake in the Clouds to live among her husband's people but she returns home with neither her husband or her son beside her. The twins have grown into fine young

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-67163041872880404462009-12-22T11:35:00.003+10:002009-12-22T11:37:49.157+10:00

I’m not really into poetry – I find most of it difficult to follow and my patience grows short with trying. I have one book of poems in my bookshelf and that’s it. I know the names of well known poets but I have no clue about their style nor can I quote from their works. So, when I say that I’m going to seek out a book of Keats’ poems purely because of what I heard of his work in Bright Star, you

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-51915351008056092032009-12-17T11:18:00.000+10:002009-12-17T11:19:45.443+10:00

The Bonners are off on another involuntary adventure after their newborn twins, Daniel and Lily, are kidnapped by Angus Moncrieff in Montreal. Elizabeth and her children, Curiosity and Runs-from-Bears made the journey north to facilitate the release of Hawkeye, Nathaniel and Robbie who were arrested while trying to rescue Otter from the clutches of the wanton and rebellious Gisele Sommerville.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-59456137631393700502009-12-16T12:31:00.003+10:002009-12-16T12:38:06.027+10:00

Summer is three months long, don't forget.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-37178435590857679752009-12-13T12:41:00.002+10:002009-12-13T12:53:52.456+10:00

Just a little portait of my housemate, Verde. It's rare for her to sit still enough for this kind of picture so...vwalah! It can be done. This last week has been so beastly hot and humid that all I want to do is this: Just rain already!!!!!

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-91087259704353526672009-12-06T14:02:00.000+10:002009-12-06T14:03:27.532+10:00

After the death of his wife, Joe Carr must learn to be a full time Dad to his son Artie as well as the sole bread-winner for the family. They’re both having a rough time coping with grief and Joe employs some unorthodox and loose parenting methods for ease, with mixed results. Harry, Joe’s son from his first marriage, comes from England to stay with his dad and half brother and arrives to a

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-90875637534842958542009-12-06T13:57:00.002+10:002009-12-06T14:02:22.790+10:00

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-74317778215081623402009-11-20T13:15:00.001+10:002009-11-20T13:17:29.595+10:00

I went to Diana Gabaldon’s literary dinner expecting to be overwhelmed by nerves and excitement. For some reason, the nerves never came. I didn’t gush or say awkward things; I almost didn’t say anything at all. I stood at the signing table while Diana autographed my copies of ‘Brotherhood of the Blade’ and ‘An Echo in the Bone’ and dismissed the idea of explaining how ‘Brotherhood’ made me

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-67325043788143421622009-11-18T13:56:00.000+10:002009-11-18T13:57:24.527+10:00

An Education is a really quiet film set in the early 1960s which documents the love affair between Jenny (Carey Mulligan), a sixteen year old school girl and David (Peter Sarsgaard), a much older man who lives a glamorous lifestyle. Jenny is working hard towards a place at Oxford University under the domineering influence of her father, Jack (Alfred Molina), when she meets David on a rainy

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-35158514442375066612009-11-18T13:55:00.000+10:002009-11-18T13:56:39.237+10:00

I don’t remember any specific incidences of kids getting beaten up at school. There were certainly threats of violence - I experienced that first hand – but as for physical evidence of assault, I never saw or heard of it. I mean, it probably did happen but I don’t think it was a common occurrence in our grade. Recently, the news and current affairs programmes have been making a really big deal

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-82154765188637451112009-11-04T17:53:00.002+10:002009-11-04T17:59:55.895+10:00

Hey guess what?! I mowed my first lawn on Sunday! There are bald patches here and missed bits over there and a trail of clippings from where I misjudged the fullness of the catcher but you know what; I had a bit of fun doing it. I am a garden nerd!

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-11512419730942097592009-10-22T11:26:00.002+10:002009-10-22T11:28:57.473+10:00

Monica Bloom arrived in Brisbane in the summer of 1980. Matt only saw her five times but it was enough for him to fall for her. It turns out to be one hell of a year; Matt’s dad takes a hit over a scandal at work and the fall out that ensues is disruptive to say the least. Monica’s life isn’t beer and skittles either but together they provide a safe space for each other despite the brevity of

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-9511303212171829742009-10-22T11:22:00.003+10:002009-10-22T11:29:52.749+10:00

I’m going to be really lazy and just use the jacket blurb for the plot outline because it explains the story better than I can. “When Annaliese Winter walks down Curtis Holland's front path, he's ill-prepared for a sixteen-year-old schoolgirl who's a confounding mixture of adult and child. After years travelling the world with his band, Butterfish, he's not used to having a neighbour at all. So

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-55100059530641713132009-10-21T14:37:00.002+10:002009-10-21T14:41:06.442+10:00

Into the Wilderness is an historical fiction novel set in the 1790s and centres on Elizabeth Middleton’s arrival in Paradise; the village her father founded. Elizabeth is a twenty-nine year old spinster; educated, opinionated and fiercely independent. She immigrates to Paradise in order to teach school to the town children – a promise her father made to her before she embarked – only to discover

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-36735741481053210932009-10-20T14:47:00.004+10:002009-10-20T14:54:27.969+10:00

Oh my, what a controversial book we have here! Interestingly enough, it’s not the run-of-the-mill contentious issues that stimulated the response to An Echo in the Bone. There’s no overly graphic sex, gratuitous violence or outrageous perversion; not really anything ‘Family Associations’ would write letters to editors over. You see, the controversy lies in the structure and the character focus –

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-31402364250771287112009-10-20T12:59:00.001+10:002009-10-20T13:00:44.805+10:00

At the table:A closed mouth while eating, thank you.Try not to speak while there’s food in your mouth. Sometimes there’s no way around it, though.Turn your phone off when requested and don’t leave it on the table when in a meeting or while eating.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-50254188762664943622009-10-20T12:57:00.001+10:002009-10-20T12:59:12.040+10:00

Respect your elders and the elderly.Pay attention when someone speaks to you and apologise if your attention wanders.It is fine to speak up against the outrageous and make a stand for what you believe in but please remember that diplomacy is a valuable tool.Discretion is essential.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-58785452850867576732009-10-20T12:56:00.000+10:002009-10-20T12:57:18.613+10:00

Be nice. No-one likes an arsehole.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-67869529961222364552009-10-20T12:51:00.002+10:002009-10-20T12:55:05.331+10:00

Regarding Fashion:Unless you are being photographed or filmed, light make-up will do the job nicely.Crack kills. Pull your pants up or find some that fit properly. This applies to women and men.Trim your toenailsIf you insist on a fake tan, pay for a decent colour and coverage.If you cannot walk comfortably and your step is unstable; your heels are too high.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-44331656620591858372009-10-19T14:22:00.001+10:002009-10-20T12:55:25.947+10:00

Regarding Public Transport.Stand up for the elderly, disabled, pregnant mothers and parent with children.Fill the window seats firstOccupy your own space, not that of the person sitting next to you.Use your mannersLet people off the transport before you try to board. There’s only so much water you can fit in a cup.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-280308262710105362009-10-19T14:20:00.002+10:002009-10-20T12:55:43.150+10:00

Always wear a petticoat beneath unlined dresses and skirts.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-33051279967106214982009-10-19T13:41:00.005+10:002009-10-20T12:56:03.158+10:00

You know, my brother and I were raised with manners. My mother insisted upon it. If either of us were to breach the good manners code, we would have her wrath to contend with and Mum can be a very intimidating lady when she wants to be. Personally, I see good manners as a necessity but somehow, somewhere through the years, manners and etiquette have become so lax as to be virtually nonexistent. I

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-5178782995275947872009-10-19T10:55:00.005+10:002009-10-19T11:30:00.932+10:00

Because I can't deny Kelly (The Chic Geek) anything and because it's a great topic, I'm going to do a "My Favourite Aussie Slang" list complete with definitions!Blue: fight ("he was having a blue with his wife")Buckley's, Buckley's chance: no chance ("New Zealand stands Buckley's of beating Australia at football") “He’s got Buckley’s and none of getting out of seeing the in-laws for Christmas)

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-31267927185923301432009-10-09T11:32:00.003+10:002009-10-17T11:58:54.505+10:00

Skinny jeans are made for people with narrow hips, slim legs and a resistance to wedgie pain. They’re the height of youth/hipster fashion here in Brisbane so apparently there are thousands of people who believe they belong in this category. I am not one of those people who can get away with wearing skinny jeans. I like the way they look on the right body type but I am also acutely aware that they

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-26624160364045482842009-10-09T11:29:00.002+10:002009-10-09T11:32:17.752+10:00

“There’s no way they’re getting a baby through that pelvis.” Is it just me or is this anyone else’s first thought when observing an incredibly narrow hipped woman?

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-43424779214592213302009-10-09T11:28:00.000+10:002009-10-09T11:29:26.666+10:00

You know you’ve hit the trendy part of town when the haircuts become a-symmetrical.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-25370548567391563752009-10-05T14:44:00.002+10:002009-10-05T15:03:45.655+10:00

I'm reading 'An Echo in the Bone' and trying to steer clear of spoilers on some my favourite websites is like trying to dodge bogans in Woodridge. Visiting Diana's blog (she's the author of Echo), I came across a comment made by one woman who was so disappointed with Echo that she vented her spleen in the comments section...to Diana. She expressed her vast disappointment by practically

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-43912288809104225892009-09-25T10:54:00.002+10:002009-09-25T10:57:12.448+10:00

In my humble opinion, Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade is an important book. Not only with regards to Lord John Grey’s own story- it most certainly is that – but also for the development of the Jamie and Claire Fraser saga. I’m a few chapters into Echo in the Bone and pieces of the Fraser puzzle which I never thought about before are beginning to fall into place already owing to my

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-43053564356731110082009-09-24T18:07:00.002+10:002009-09-24T18:09:42.072+10:00

...for it means I can devour it slowly.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-57171149531120514752009-09-23T13:18:00.001+10:002009-09-23T13:20:01.760+10:00

Sorry, don't know who made this one...but it's bloody good!

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-58687150814666316762009-09-21T14:43:00.004+10:002009-09-21T14:54:52.751+10:00

Gather 'round, childrens; I've come up with a game we can play! It's called 'Spot the John Deere T-shirt.'All you need to do is post a comment whenever you see someone wearing John Deere clothing or accessories. Tell us all what they were wearing, and where they were wearing it. The winner is the person who spots the most unlikely 'enthusiast'; double points if you get a photograph of them.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-29714330614095640882009-09-21T14:38:00.002+10:002009-09-21T14:42:44.697+10:00

Don’t you just love it when your weekend is productive? I do and mine was. I took three days because there was no way I was going to get it done in two. My to do list is now significantly shorter. Friday was full on. It started with me taking Verde to the vet. Verde is Sarah’s new name because I still think that Sarah is a stupid name for a cat. It is fitting then, that she’ll only answer to

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-49512386819458593002009-09-14T13:57:00.003+10:002009-09-14T14:01:48.418+10:00

Hey Claire! Why don't you read things properly before commenting and making a total arse of yourself? I don't know but it's a good point.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-46740419900752933112009-09-13T12:56:00.005+10:002009-09-13T17:10:19.184+10:00

Anyone who has read the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon would be familiar with Lord John Grey - friend and one time prison warden to Jamie Fraser. Lord John, a wonderfully rich and entertaining character, has his own series of stories which tell of his life between Ardsmuir and Jamaica.The Lord John series of books are a collection of mysteries which showcase Lord John's aptitude for

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-38124768632976368412009-09-10T09:36:00.004+10:002009-09-10T09:51:39.736+10:00

Spring has well and truly sprung in Brisbane. Here are some photos of my garden and the semi-feral plants that are currently blooming. It's such a pleasant change from the tiny balcony with the ailing draceana and dead herbs that used to be my 'garden'. This garden does it all by itself!

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-80014568478135837502009-09-09T09:20:00.002+10:002009-09-09T09:23:36.041+10:00

Once more into the fray with Inspectors Rebus and Siobhan in what turns out to be an incredibly intricate story with more twists than an M.Night. Shamalamalamalamalan film. Somehow, all the cases in this story link to each other. Siobhan gets involved in a slightly personal case locating Ishbel, a runaway, while simultaneously trying to apprehend Ishbel’s sister’s rapist’s murder. Got that? Right

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-11164841098959486452009-09-06T11:21:00.004+10:002009-09-08T08:08:14.619+10:00

This is Sarah and she lives with me now. I adopted Sarah on Saturday from the RSPCA. She's very affectionate and will follow me around if I'm doing things But she likes to be alone sometimes too. Her favourite spot is behind the massive canvas in my art and music room and she talks a lot! I don't know who called her Sarah but I'm not convinced it's the right name for her - doesn't fall easily

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-80025599627741463292009-09-02T15:48:00.002+10:002009-09-02T16:00:24.438+10:00

Two teaser sentences from a random page of my current read as encouraged by Kelly the Chic Geek.'Red and white meaning blood and bandages, Rebus seemed to think, though he couldn't remember why. And now there was the sound of a diesel engine chugging towards them, the taxi bathing them in it's headlights.'Taken from Fleshmarket Close by Ian Rankin.My first copy of Fleshmarket Close was given to

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-57148981822041478172009-08-29T17:31:00.002+10:002009-08-29T17:59:23.815+10:00

I did it! And just in time, too. A Breath of Snow and Ashes is probably my favourite of the Outlander series and for good reason; intrigue, murrrrrrderrrr, love, Young Ian, action, comedy, Adso the Cat and the White Sow.My favourite bits:Favourite Line of Dialogue:"Ye should have bitten her," Ian was saying earnestly to Rollo. "She's got an arse the size of a hogshead of tobacco - how could ye

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-59516742994383887962009-08-27T12:58:00.001+10:002009-08-27T13:00:57.842+10:00

You have to read this 'Dad Gone Mad.'http://www.dadgonemad.com/2009/08/he-was-a-mechanical-engineer.htmlThe man (Danny) is a genius. Makes me laugh out loud with every post.

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-63288371542553635462009-08-25T07:41:00.003+10:002009-08-25T07:53:08.914+10:00

Pati O'furniture and I were discussing what we imagined Brianna from the Outlander series looks like (a recurring theme) and sharing google images we had found. Pati regularly makes google her bitch as she is an absolute Mistress (read: femine Master); though it now looks like google is fighting back. Below is one of the first emails I read when I got in to work this morning: "Unless you want a

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-14819377108378778082009-08-21T12:59:00.005+10:002009-08-21T13:11:12.153+10:00

Am I a loser for feeling a little bit disappointed that Jason Schwartzman has married someone who isn't me? I mean, sure, his wife is a bit of a babe and a designer...but I have some stuff to offer! Like, like...well, apparently not as much as Brady Cunningham but I'm sure there's something there? I have a blog with three followers, for crying out loud and I know how to say hyperbole properly (I

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-91355767596279508232009-08-20T13:45:00.005+10:002009-08-20T14:17:03.820+10:00

Well, the move was smooth, thank goodness. After a slight electrical hiccup, all my ducks just lined themselves up; charming, obliging little creatures that they are. All I've been up to since is unpacking and trying to fall into a new routine. I don't have my broadband connected yet - isn't that an expensive exercise - so I'll try to slot in whatever posts I can. I might just post a little snap

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349230713995898006.post-23649977982521740052009-08-09T14:41:00.002+10:002009-08-09T14:55:45.337+10:00

This week has been a bit interesting. Birthday dinners, catch-up dinners, exploding colleagues and packing away my earthly possessions. I am moving on Saturday into a house, can you believe it? So, packing is pretty much all I've been doing other than work and the odd social engagement. I did see The Ugly Truth yesterday and please, don't see it. It is absolute crap. CRAP!!!!! I used to love

Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582941175959917063noreply@blogger.com2