One of those days

Winter has forgotten to go home. This morning on my walk to work - and again on the return journey - heavy rain sloshed from above.

The bits in-between weren't so crash hot, either: a busy day at work was made more difficult by the fact I had to figure out code for a direct mail thing I was writing. Do I look like an IT geek? It made me want to eat my own head. But, thankfully, I cajoled one of the front-end dev guys (am too scared and distinterested to ask what those rows and rows of shiny young lads actually do) to assist. And within five minutes he had it sorted. Play to your strengths, as I always say...

After work there was a walk with one of the Mt Vic Vixens and her woofer, and dinner for one (the Animator is out drinking). I wish I could say I was settling in for a night with the central heating, my beloved Uggs and a book; instead I am writing a Q&A document for a corporate client.

Cutting through today's dreich are these gorgeous blooms I got at the veggie market on Sunday. Not being in possession of the Maggie Barry gene, I have no idea what they are and lack the arsedness to find out. But they are beautiful and make me smile every time I enter the kitchen.

          

Family Time - the beautiful Elizabeth Barbalich of Antipodes Skincare

I have interviewed this woman about four times now - including profiling her house for an interiors magazine - and today she features in the latest of my Stuff series on how to manage the eternal conundrum of work and family. It's no exaggeration to say that Elizabeth is as lovely as her divine, organic products. Click here to read  

(Pic credit: Australian Vogue)

Interviews

I am now at the apex of my brain capacity; a day of extracting information from people will do that to you.

First up was an interview with the fabulous Canadian chocolatier and pastry chef Agnes Almeida for a national magazine; this was preceded by a furious bout of cleaning as Agnes came to my whare for the interview. She was charming and funny and we laughed like drains. Plus, what's not to like about a woman who can combine cocoa and dairy products in the most extraordinary manner?

After a quick lunch there was a drive to Khandallah to interview the owner of this new shop. They've only just taken off the bubble wrap but products were flying out the door. A month or so ago I profiled the owner's house for Your Home & Garden Magazine so it was lovely to catch up with her.

The rest of the weekend will be spent coaxing appropriate words to do justice to these two fascinating women.

Today's visuals are of Agnes and the cute new tea pea store.

(Agnes pic from Stuff)

   

Friday

A morning spent trying to force the words from mind to keyboard was, thankfully, interrupted by lunch with an old school friend.

Anyone would think we were involved in solving the Syrian crisis, so long has it taken to find a mutually agreeable date. But it was worth it and we laughed, ate overpriced food and drank coffee (there was talk of vino but she is currently on antibiotics and I had to work this arvo).

Later, on our PM walk in the town belt, I met a woman and her gorgeous rescue greyhound. The number of times she complimented the Hound on his beauty was almost embarrassing. The fact that I'm inordinately proud of his beauty? So much so you'd think I was in some way responsible for his genetic makeup.

It is now almost time to down tools and pour a ridiculously large glass of red wine. This is, without a doubt, my favourite time of the week.

Here's something beautiful to kick-start your weekends...

(Pic credit: Tumblr) 

Change of Heart

Having spent the day once again being stampeded by the busy ponies, I am now, at 10pm, all out of words.

Instead, you shall have the second of my stories to appear in the October issue of Your Home & Garden (click here to read).

  

My Dog: The Paradox

Loving the bejesus out of this cartoon from The Oatmeal. And LOLing (surely one of the world's most annoying acronyms?) at how true it is. Click here to read.

Having the perfect life

Another of my pieces for Stuff's Family Time online series (click here to read).

  (Pic credit: Stuff)