It’s all been happening this week. Sewing, cleaning, cooking, family arriving, Tom’s Birthday. Oh and even a bit of rain. What more could a girl ask for. So here is my wrap for the week that was… Psst – there is a funny photo down the bottom of this post, be sure not to miss it – I am positive it will make you laugh.
We had a lovely quiet weekend, we only have 3 people left here on the station (apart from our family) and they are a great bunch too, basically family which is just so fantastic. We had dinner over here at our house on the weekend and even trotted out some board games. After a few Gin Lime and Soda’s on Saturday night, Danno, Snowy and I got a bit competitive with a game of Trouble. It was hilarious and we couldn’t stop laughing. I have always had a soft spot for Trouble, we didn’t have it as kids but my cousins did and gee I loved going over to their house to play it.
Trouble has been sitting on our dining table since the weekend and now I feel the need to challenge Harry every time I walk past it – just a snappy game. He is getting a bit sick of me asking, truth be known. He has some sort of special touch when it comes to Trouble, I just can’t beat him, arrrrghhhh – it makes me so angry! The box is right, it really does drive you popping mad!
On Saturday morning I challenged Harry to a game of Monopoly and he totally kicked my ass. Now, I don’t like to lose so we all played another game on Sunday, about 2.5 hours later I was the winner, I owned the whole board. Yes, I am very proud. I think owning all the green and blues (Mayfair and Oxford streets) helped, or The Lower North Shore as I like to call that whole street. Danno had some houses on Whitechapel and Old Kent but it just didn’t cut it for him – $30 rent with 2 houses was never going to do his portfolio much good, was it.
I also whipped up this little top and dress on the weekend…
This sewing bug has taken over and I can’t stop. I received a big box of fabric on the mail plane yesterday and I can’t wait to make some new pieces.
Monday and Tuesday was spent cooking and cleaning and trying to get things DD ready. For those of you who are new around here: DD is my Mum. She is ever so slightly OCD and does run a clean house. So I was trying to clean up my messy life for her. You see Mum and Dad (DD & Rexy) arrived bright an early on the plane on Wednesday morning. Just in time for a big breakfast cook up for Tom’s Birthday.
They were here at 7am. Mum looked like she was going a little cray cray because she had postage stamps on her cheeks and a bow around her neck… ummm what the hell have you come as Mum? She told me she was a parcel because she came on the mail plane – might have to look into booking her into some sort of institution when she leaves.
Mum and Dad were here for 3 months earlier in the year, they left at the end of August, but gee whiz, it felt like they had never left. Mum slotted right back into the washing up and Dad found his eating chair at the dining table. Mum started washing up at about 7:15 and didn’t leave that sink until about 10:30, ha ha ha. She does look good in the purple glove I must say.
Tom had the best birthday ever because Mr Chardy bought him this top notch plane…
He was completely beside himself. He also requested crumbed steak, potato bake and a double deck pavlova for his Birthday Dinner. We all squashed around the dining table here at our house for the occasion – one big happy family.
Crumbed steak and pav never fails to impress and we could hardly move by the end of the meal.
Oh and another thing – something to make you laugh perhaps… Mum has been clearing out the bedrooms at our family home where we grew up in Mudgee. There is stuff there from years gone by including a gymnastics leotard from when I was in year 9. I told her not to throw it out and that she must bring it up for me. Just the thought of it had me in stitches of laughter. The image of that red leotard was enough to bring tears to my eyes. Turns out it is red, green and white – is that a sign? Christmas colours – do you think I should wear it on Christmas day? Here is a visual…
Mum said “oh Dan, you will never get that over your bum” – thank you very much, what are you trying to say Mum? I’ll show you. Turns out it is really quite stretchy. I even pulled out some gymnastics moves – circa 1993. I wore this leotard to State gymnastics at Homebush when I was representing Western Region… impressive huh? Oh god I am pissing myself laughing just typing all of that. Too funny I tell you. And guess what – my wrists and ankles are still the same size as they were in year nine, how great is that – haven’t grown a bit.
Goodness me, I didn’t realise how bad it really was, in my mind I was the same size as I was in year 9…. turns out that isn’t the case, ha ha ha. As Mum was taking the photo I said “Oh gee, it really is bad isn’t it” to which Mum replied “your not kidding” – always so complimentary. It is a wonder I don’t have some sort of eating disorder. But in an effort to keep things real on here I thought it was only right to share this with you. I also thought it was best not to enlarge the photo too much – I am trying to save your eyes, ha ha ha.
In other news we have had some rain… of course we have. My sister and her family are due to arrive in Mt Isa on Sunday night. My plan was to drive in on Sunday and bring them back here on Monday. Mr Chardy has been getting quite anxious about the lack of rain that was around, I told him to calm the f*%k down – I have invited everyone here for Christmas – of course it is going to rain. I woke up on Wednesday night to the sound of heavy rain on the roof…. oh great, there goes my trip to town. We had 20 mm’s that night with more forecast… Yep – it rained all night last night and it is still raining. Ok, looks like we might need a new game plan to get them in. Stay tuned. But gee it is nice to hear the rain. Nothing better.
Well I think that is enough for one day, if you have made it down here to the bottom – give yourself a pat on the back. Thanks for sticking around.
Now tell me – do you love that leotard and do you think I should trot it out on Christmas day?
Are you a fan of Trouble?
Oh my goodness! Stretchy or not, I would not be fitting into any piece of clothing from my year 9 days! I applaud you. What did your boys think of your gym moves? Tom’s plane is a ripper! I can’t get over how much boys love things that operate with a remote. I bet it’s a winner. Hopefully it doesn’t crash too easily? Merry Christmas!
Ha ha ha ha, you really would fit into it, I swear to god, it is one size fits all. ha ha ha. Boys thought it was hilarious. I trotted out a handstand too. ha ha ha. Yes, the plane is a huge winner but he hasn’t been able to fly it yet, poor bugger, because of the weather. Merry Christmas to you too lovely. xx
Our game of choice has been Monopoly – we are loving it! I am winning as I currently have 4 houses sitting on my ‘red’ real estate. We are down to only 1 staff member so as a fellow station cook, can relate to your excitement. My parents are not visiting, but we will go to them for Xmas. And unfortunately we have not had the rain we were hoping for! Have the best Xmas. P.S – you look great in the leotard x
Hi Nic, yay for Monopoly! Might trot it out today – perfect for rainy weather. Hope you get some rain. You have a great Christmas and please say hi to your Mum for me – I love that lady and I have never met her. Ezzy looks like an absolute legend. 🙂
Lol..in stiches.Love the leotard, love trouble. ..one of our families all time fav. We have battled out with monopoly on numerous occasions. Fabulous birthday food…nothing like cooking your kids favourites….& of course loooooove the rain. Wishing you all an awesome Chrissy & New Year…enjoy spending time with your family. x
Merry Christmas to you too Anita, hope you have a lovely time. 🙂
We adore Trouble around these parts, I can hear the happiness in your words my friend, you deserve a very happy festive season after a somewhat difficult year! Loving you in that leotard, what a hunk of spunk! Em xx
It is so great having people here. There is a game of Poker Texas Holdem happening at our dining table at the moment – I am out, went all in and lost big time, ha ha ha. Love the wet season when the cards come out. My Mum is hearing all sorts of colourful language. Happy days Em. 🙂
Another crack up Miss Chardy and just love that red leotard
just awesome if cool Christmas day yes wear it with your best shorts!!
If hot one of your tops you whipped up would be beautiful .
The sound of rain beautiful and hopefully you have more to come.
Plan B can be put into action for your visitors arriving.
So great about the board games they bring so much pleasure, for this modern
age where TV seems to take over in a lot of places, I still play with my grand kids.
Tom will have hours of fun with his plane.
Have a wonderful Christmas
Nothing better than the sound of rain on the roof is there Barbie. You have a great Christmas Barbie! xxx
Omg Chards, love DD’s sense of humour. You are more like your mum than you realise. Give Tom a big birthday hug for me. I was going to say kiss but I don’t want to gross him out! Looks like you are in for a fun time. 🙂
Ha ha ha ha, I just don’t know why she thinks the Leotard is so bad, ha ha ha ha ha. At least Mr Chardy loves my hunky (or should that be “chunky”) thighs, ha ha ha ha. Will give Tom and kiss and a hug from you. 🙂 Is it raining up your way?
You have been hands down my favourite blog of 2015 – I love how real you are – leotard and all! Merry Christmas Miss Chardy x
Hello there… oh god you are so sweet. Thank you so much!!! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Are you going away? x
OF COURSE it is raining because you invited everyone for Christmas. Had you not been expecting visitors it would be as dry as dingo do-do. Hope your rain is falling in all the right places.
Loving the leotard! Go you little gymnast, I can see the Nadia Cominici resemblance.
We have board games up at Mt Buller and oh lord doesn’t it get competitive! All good fun though, as long as I am winning.
Have a fabulous Christmas.
Oh I know – i said to Mr Chardy today that guaranteed if we didn’t invite people here for Christmas it would be hot, the sun would be shining and there wouldn’t be a drop of rain in sight – so I have done him a favour haven’t I! You have a great Christmas Judy!!!! 🙂
Miss Chardy I can hear happiness and excitment in this blog. Its amazing how family can pick you up. Love the leotard! Loving how you just put it right out there. I say yes do a skit for Christmas day but be very aware that the elastic my break at any time!! Our family likes trouble as well and it usually gets a run a few times a week but with a very competitive daughter and husband it ends up turning into war some days. Don’t you love the competitive family members! Miss Chardy your dry sense of humour is so like your mums. My mum would have had a similar comment. Ha ha ha I think you will be boating your sister in with the low that is forming in the gulf towards the end of the week on top of the monsoon. Hope you guys receive loads of much needed rain. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and New Year and enjoy the precious time that you have with your family.
Really has picked me up Mel. So great to have them here and not be the only girl on the station. I am so competitive when it comes to Trouble Mel, totally hearing you. May well have to boat the sister and her family in Mel, I will be happy when they are here safe and sound. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas Mel! 🙂
OMG i am crying i am laughing so much, & Mr Twinings wants to know – ‘what is so funny?’ Haha. My mum sonetines gives me old outfits she had sewn for me, so funny! You are such a good sport for trying it on! I am on hols at the mo, so i am just catching up on your news! I hope Plan B goes ok with the rain! Such a love / hate thing with the rain i know! I can guarantee every single time we want to pack up a tent on a camping trip – it will rain! You could always fly across the paddocks to pick them up in your cheeky red supergirl suit hahaha! Oops, sorry!! 😊😊
Ha ha ha ha, I am laughing at the thought of you crying with laughter – god love you! ha ha ha ha. How exciting that you are on holidays! Make the most of it and enjoy!!! I may well have to put on the super girl outfit and fly to pick them up, might need a cape, ha ha ha ha.
I’ve heard things get a bit crazy in the Top End this time of year, now I know for real!
Love your work Chards xx
Ha ha ha ha – totally cray cray. The rain might be sending us crazy. Too funny. Looks like you are living the life at Fraser! Enjoy!!!
Well that gave me a little laugh I think you should wear the Leo on Xmas day you could maybe add a tutu . We love the board games here we have family game night from time to time and play the board games for hours in teams and have a trophy for the winning team . I love to sew and love your tops they are amazing great cool summer tops well done. Also tell Dan to tone down the shine on top of his head lol . Have a great Christmas.xx
Ha ha ha ha, knew you would get a kick out of seeing a couple of snappy shots of Dan. I asked Dan if he wanted to try on my leotard and his reply: “Dunno – depends how drunk I get” ha ha ha ha. He told me you and Erin are great sewers. I am not sure where my sudden urge to sew has come from but I am loving it, so satisfying to make your own clothes and you get just what you want. Love it. Have a Merry Christmas. xx
Yes just love to sew and my 11 year old mia is keen to learn love to pass down skills not enough people know how to sew these days .
I’m sure over the festive season you can con Dan to put your Leo on if so need a happy snap . Cheers Lisa
Glad you got the rain although a bit of a bummer with the Christmas plans. Lord, I’m not sure whether I would fit in my leotards and costumes from ballet and I certainly wouldn’t be brave enough for a photo. Love it!!! I’ve been quilt making. I find sewing like that. I put it off and put it off and then I start and don’t want to stop. Actually I am like that with all crafting. Enjoy the wet stuff and board games.
Oh isn’t sewing addictive, you think you will just do a “little bit” and before you know it you have made a whole dress. Have a great Christmas Anne. Not long now.
Miss Chardy, I have that same leotard!!! OMG!!! I grew up in Bathurst and wore it to States in Wagga Wagga in the late 90’s??? I can’t believe you have it too! I’m pretty sure mine is still at my parents in Bathurst being kept as a momento of my gymnastics days, despite it being hideously radioactive in colour!!! I’m pretty sure I’d suffocate if I tried to get into it!!! You’ve made my day!!! Merry Christmas to you and your family, love your blog!!
Hello Cate – that is too funny that you have the same Leotard, love it!!!! You MUST put it on – so stretchy!!! Mine is circa 1993 I think, ha ha ha. Merry Christmas to you too Cate and thanks for reading. I need to see a photo of you in your leotard stat. ha ha ha
Ok the leotard was freakin hilarious thank you for making me laugh
Ha ha ha ha ha, I am laughing just thinking about that bloody lycra thing. So glad I could put a smile on your dial. Hope you guys had a great Christmas down there. 🙂 x
I found your leotard pic while searching for something else- it was the tag line containing the words “so much wrong with this picture.” Well, yeah… you are a GORGEOUS woman and that photo doesn’t do you justice. I’m an active photographer, a now-and-again photography instructor and an Italian-American fellow wine afficianado. If I may offer a couple thoughts?
Many gorgeous women would be reluctant to even permit a photo such as yours, never mind posting it for all the world to see. I know- I’ve had to work with a lots of such ladies. I’ve gotten somewhat skilled at drawing out and capturing the personalities inside, but it is often a difficult challenge. If I were shooting you, I suspect I would have a much easier time. You OOZE good cheer, self-confidence and guts and those qualities shine through in that shot. The gymnastics probably strengthened them, as did setting up housekeeping on a cattle station ‘way out in Ameddelanowah, or whatever you Ozzies call that part of your land. But still… your photographer did a just-okay job with a great model.
He (or was it she?) has the camera sideways- spot-on for your type of pose. The lighting looks pretty good and the camera was focused on your GREAT eyes- kudos, the shooter got those parts right. There are a few errors with the camera, however.
The lens at eye level- a natural tendency, but one that often produces an only so-so result. If the shooter crouched down and had the lens at about your waist, the results would have been a bit better. REAL women are not anorexic-looking- they have curves, and I suspect yours have been a bit misrepresented.
Your photographer had pretty good instincts for background- the geometry of the floor, rails, greenery and hillside combine well. One problem-the background is in sharp focus. Not a bad thing for a nature photo or a vacation spot landscape pic, but he objective of this picture was capturing the beauty of the model, not the place. Without knowing the type of camera, I’d suggest moving in closer- either walking closer or zooming in the lens- to have you filling the the frame. If the exposure can be set, your photographer wants to use a bit bigger aperture- one or two stops larger will blur the leaves behind you and the deck planks in front of you. If a point and shoot or cell phone was used, there is often a <> setting that can also accomplish this blurring as well. Your photographer should also have you take a step or two to your right so you wouldn’t have a post “growing” out of your shoulder.
Lastly, most women don’t need a lot of makeup to be beautiful on a night out on the town. I suspect this is true of you as well, but for a photograph? Pile the makeup on with a trowel. The camera will lose most of it and your model-quality hair, eyes and smile will be greatly accentuated.
I hope your photographer won’t think me harsh. As I said, there’s more good things in the photo than just the model, and I the ideas above would bring her image from good to great. I would completely understand if the photo was just a one-off, but if you and your photographer ever try it again, I’d be interested to see the results. Thanks for reading through my post, and may you and yours have the Merriest Christmas ever!