Yesterday I was in Melbourne and accidentally on purpose found myself in an op shop (shock! horror!). Actually it was an upmarket/fancy pants op shop in Fitzroy. Anyway I loved this apron and could really relate to the desperate pleas. (Wash the dishes, scrub the floors...Help! PLEASE, Help!)
I couldn't, however, relate to the price tag.$15 for a stained (although admittedly amazing) apron, sorry, no can do.
I also came across this recipe book. Annie Ross looks like a helluva gal, when she says "Come on In" you can't say no! Do you like her come hither/don't mess with me look? Check this quote out from Chapter 5. "I was working in Birdland opposite Buddy Rich a while back. A cat came in one night who used to hang in the village and invited me to his place in Haiti. Buddy said I might as well go because he and his old lady had spent two groovy months there." Wow.
Annie shares some beaut recipes such as Cold Veal with Tuna Fish, The Grapefruit Diet and Pigs Trotters. Yum!
The real reason for the city trip was that time is nigh for University Open Days. What happened to my little baby?? Yep, she is almost grown up.
So we braved our way through the pouring rain and wind to the damp & crowded tents of the University of Melbourne. On a sunnier, or a least dryer, day I'm sure we would have been oohing and ahhing a bit more at the stunning campus. Gorgeous old buildings galore, green lawns, swimming pool, etc etc etc. Did I mention arch ways? Lots of them. Despite the rain there was a festive atmosphere. This woman was in a real party mood.
We gathered information like a couple of swooping seagulls - pamphlets, booklets, a quick cuppa for mum and then we were out of there. Back through the rain, comparing rain affected parts. Her: soaking wet sock due to hole in boot, Me: soaking wet arms due to inefficient/cheap coat. We both loved this little house which is about as narrow as they come, nice balloons huh?
Then it was onto the Catholic University which couldn't have been more of a contrast. Although it didn't have the grandness of Melbourne Uni it was extremely friendly (we like) and easy to access (good too) and the furry faced professor of psychology cheerfully helped us with our questions. So then we tootled back up the freeway . A lot to take in and I'm glad Char is still in year 11. At the moment she is keen to study psychology but her interest in the arts may take her in another direction.
It's funny having kids at different stages and ages. It really doesn't seem that long ago that Charlotte was having a princess party herself! Now she is practically a woman and is such a great daughter & person. Sometimes it's hard for her coming home to a house full of noisy, crazy kids who can be demanding & pesky. I know she loves them but I can see how hard it is for her at times. It's tricky for me too as I walk the tightrope of family life, trying to keep everyone happy, making sure they are all listened to, fed, cleaned, loved (that bits easy). I hope she knows how important she is to us all and how much her little sisters and brother love & look up to her. I hope she knows how much we miss her when she is away at shcool. Life is complicated, and being 16 is too. Charlotte, I know it's hard sometimes, I'm sorry I don't always get it right,
I love you xo
