29th February

Felt I should post today - given that it will be four years time before the opportunity arises. So, in this post I want to remember that on this day I was privileged to attend the launch of the Catholic Education Foundation. It has been set up to assist the poorest of our society, who are Catholic and want a Catholic education to attend a Catholic school.

Today I also want to remember how much I love my new job. I love the many challenges, the steep learning curve and the great responsibility. 

I also am sad for the people of Syria and Egypt. I pray for them each day and hope that when the next leap year comes around, that peace has come to these countries.

I also remember the it has now rained all day long. It was a wet, at times cooler summer.

Sunday morning cup of tea.

Inspired by Melinda's blogpost, I made a warming cup of T2 French Earl Grey Tea. I decided to photograph it using some new films and filters I recently downloaded for my Hipstamatic iPhone app.
Love Sunday morning. Am watching extended news coverage, reading news online and in print. So much happening in the world that I want to read about!

Birthday

I have had a lovely day today. After an early morning delivery and installation of my new oven, I spent a couple of hours at the day spa which was just wonderful. My husband was in meetings for most of the morning and early afternoon but he still managed to find time to buy me the most beautiful Danish watch. It is gold and is classic in style. Beautiful workmanship. Tonight was my cousin's wedding. His gorgeous bride also celebrated her birthday today - albeit she is about ten years younger than me!

It was a great evening spent among family, and when it comes down to it, I do love my extended family and really value the times when we do see each other.

I still have that most gorgeous Kitchen Aid mixer to arrive - hope it will be soon! Now that the oven has been installed, I can begin to bake!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Tomorrow I have a birthday lunch and a birthday dinner!

Vale my oven... you served so well.

I've had a great week at work. I love my new job. I love the fact that the travel time to and from work is equivalent to driving in one direction to my previous work. I love the fact that I am home earlier... particularly being home earlier to cook. It seems, however, that my oven has had other ideas. It no longer heats anything. I learn't this when attempting to bake potatoes. So, for the week I have made pasta and grilled food. I am beginning to run out of things to cook, particularly as I like to warm things in the oven and slow cook food. 

My oven was measured today and I look forward to the new oven which will most probably be installed on my birthday! If all goes to plan I should be receiving a bright red Kitchen Aid Mixer. I'll have to bake something and post some pictures!

I ate the most delicious ice-cream this evening. Maggie Beer's 'Burnt fig, honeycomb and caramel' ice-cream. It's absolutely delicious and a wonderful indulgence. I hope that you are having a great weekend. 

Calm

Today I visited Nan Tien Temple and Nan Tien Institute located in Berkeley, just south of Wollongong in NSW. I will blog about this experience in a couple of days, but for the moment I wanted to share a picture I took in their extensive gardens. I hope it inspires a little calm and tranquility for you!

Have a great week!