Puppies at 15 days

Blissful sleep.

So full I can't move.

Please don't wake me

These are some of Mopsy's puppies at 15 days.  Mopsy must be so relieved after feed time when the puppies all collapse into a sound sleep.  Today Mopsy is having a trim, shampoo and pedicure (or is that manicure and pedicure).  Hope she remembers to return to the puppies.

Yesterday's Pickings

At last our tomatoes are gaining some colour.  Yesterday I picked these tomatoes, different levels of redness and all sizes.  We enjoyed some for lunch today.  I made a yummy herb dressing.  Nothing like a home grown tomato.  So many green tomatoes still to ripen I think I'll make chutney this year.

And continuing the red theme

Hawthorne berries - these are larger berries and dark red.

Most of the trees have a smaller berry which is bright red.  Birds are well fed here.

And in case you are wondering why my business is Hawthorne Cottage.    Some quick thinking had to be done when I went to register my business name. The best name ever thought up was already taken (can't even remember what it was now).  The impatient guy behind the counter told me to quickly think of something and as I love  the hawthorne trees on our farm that was it.

Mopsy plus 10

Well, let me introduce you to Mopsy's new family.  10 puppies were born last Thursday.  All are well and learning to fight for a feed.  There are 6 boys and 4 girls, a bigger litter than I expected.  Guess feeding time is chaotic for Mopsy who is a great mother.

Basket of Apples

How proud are we.  I planted this apple tree over 20 years ago and nothing much happened.  Just the usual bullet apples and not much taste.  But this year we are celebrating.  This is the second basket and there must be at least 3 more baskets ready to pick.  The tree is in the goose yard so it takes immense bravery to venture out there.  When in the yard I lock the goose out so I can pick in peace.  I need to take the ladder out this afternoon to finishing picking.  The granny smith apples have been a dismal failure this year.  It isn't lack of water as we have on granny smith near this tree.  Last night for dinner we enjoyed our home grown zucchini, beetroot, spring onions, tomatoes, basil and apples.  This is so enjoyable and satisfying I am going to get more of the vegie patch ready for planting next week.

Some mowing was long overdue.  David got to work early this morning and mowed just the essential area.  We have green grass around the house and vegie garden but the remainder is very dry now.  Need some rain please.

What a surprise.  I purchase these lilies a couple of years ago - planted them and then nothing happened.  But all of a sudden this year flowers are happening.  Beautiful colours.  Another 2 to flower.

When someone is outside taking photos it is not possible to exclude me!!!!!  Darwin has been well behaved even though Mopsy is away  - should be news any day about puppies.  My brother and my sister in law stayed here last night.  Darwin was most upset he couldn't ride in their car to the airport this morning. 

This and that

The wind was blowing when I tried to get a full photo of the quilt.  I made it for a special friend Lynda  from   Twisted Violet   and the Arts Centre Sunday Market.  Lynda and Adam  are the proud parents of Liam.  I used some fabrics with farm scenes.  Must look for some sheep fabrics. 

Well these two friends are always wanting to walk in an opposite direction to the walker.  Here Mopsy (at back) and Darwin are following the sent of a cat or 2.  Mopsy has just gone off to stay with her breeder as puppies are imminent.  Have a look at at Bluegrace  and contact Jane if you are interested in a puppy.  I really miss Mopsy but I'm happy for someone else to look after puppies!!

This week I'm busy sorting out an application for the Arts Centre Market in Melbourne.  Although I have been there for years like many other stall holders we all have to reapply as the market is moving to St Kilda Road in July.  This is due to the revamp of Hamer Hall.