Roses, roses, roses

Looking for the perfect rose? How do you choose? By colour. . . by scent . . . by the name . . .
I have to start my own rose garden for sure. I already have four plants and yesterday picked up five new ones. My picks were Aotearoa (NZ - one that I noticed in the botanical garden in Queenstown and was able to find at Swanes), Ebb Tide (a dusky deep purple with intensive fragrance), Sight Saver (A soft pink), Marilyn Monroe (which did not have any blooms yet so this is going to be a surprise), Dolly Parton (A huge fragrant red rose which is no surprise if you think about it). My list of desirables is long. My garden is not huge but I am sure that a redesign is needed and this is a great excuse to dig in.

Rainy day in Queenstown

We woke up this morning to a light pitter patter of rain that looks to be set in for the morning at least. The air is fresh and cool and it is our last day here.

Breaky at the Millinium hotel is very nice indeed. Read a bit of the paper with a hot cup of coffee is very civilised indeed. It is nearly time to pack up to leave Queenstown. 

Our last night here was spent at the Olsen hot pools, Room #1 that some of you might recognise from the bachelor series. I rate this as FAB for the experience. Our driver was an Englishman from Peterborough that has been living here for about 2.5 years. He was fun to talk to since my husband worked in his city for a year or so and they both talk sport, funny about that. The scenery at the Olsen hot pools was really great particularly when you can view it from within the tub and with an open door with the fresh air rather than in an enclosed situation. I loved it! It reminded me of the good times with my brother who had a real timber hot tub out by his back deck. The most fun watching football and sitting in the tub with a brewsky. I forgot just how relaxing this can be . . . Pictures to follow. .  

You have to try the Gondola and Luge experience

I am a chicken, I admit it. I could not do the bungy jump. I thought that I was doing well to do the gondola, the chair lift and the luge. I took a long slow trip on the luge which I know defeats the purpose of the thrill but I enjoyed the ride. I took a lot of photos at the top because the scenery is Awesome. You must do this if you come to Queenstown. The summer is a beautiful time to come here and there is so much to do.

This morning at breakfast, I overheard a gentleman say "I get to do the bungy for free since I am over 65" after seeing the location where the jump occurs I think to myself "Good On You Mate". I hope that he does it and enjoys it too.

Now on to the next adventure. I need to consider what to do next.

What to do in Queenstown

Yesterday we went on the Skippers Canyon trip. If you are afraid of heights, don't go unless you are prepared to have sweaty palms and a freak out now and again. The 4 wheel drive gets very close to the edge. The area is all mica which is very soft and breaks off easily with your hands - so think of the weight of the car on the road. You just have to have faith that you are going to be safe in the hands of your driver who does this three times a day. 

Then on to the river boat ride, wow, the beauty and the speed to the special boat that takes you down the tight canyon waterways. If you are nervous about water or tight places you might find this little trip rather challenging. It was great. I got very wet sitting in the back seat of the boat. The day was glorious and the water on my face was cool and refreshing. I would not like it if the day was cold and cloudy but I could not have had a better day out. Loved it - all of it!

Pictures to follow when I get back home.

Beautiful fresh morning - 20th anniversary today

It is hard to believe that 20 years ago today I was getting married in a beautiful garden in Sydney. Today we are celebrating in Queenstown NZ. It is a glorious day and we are off for some adventure in the mountains and waterways. I will fill in the gaps later today, after the events.

The sun is shining, the air is brisk and I am looking forward to a very fun day.

Stay tuned . . . 

Queenstown exploring - 27th January

What a day. Everywhere you look there is beauty and creativity and the people are very lovely too. 

We walked around all day after a really nice breaky. The day was gloriously cool in the morning, warm but not too hot at midday and now that the evening is setting in it is cooling again - temp around mid twenties. I can handle this! 

I will be showing you some goodies that I have found in the next few weeks. Stay posted for ideas for you home.

Many people come here for the snow but it is great in summer too. Just a few hours from Sydney and you are transported in to an Alpine like setting. Makes me hunger for the Swiss Alps. Hum. Maybe that can fit into the schedule somewhere.

I will upload some pics later. For now signing off for the evening.

Happy Australia - 26th January

Going to the beach, having a barbie, just catching up with friends is part of the tradition of the day.
What do you fancy?

Sydney will be full of buzz today - Enjoy!

Me? I am taking it easy. I will be reading and thinking about textiles today. What should go into my collection for 2010.

That woman is a success . . . poem by Barbara Burrow

That woman is a success . . Who lives life to the fullest; who has discovered and shared the strengths and talents that are uniquely her own; who puts her best into each task and leaves each situaiton better than she found it; who seeks and finds that which is beautiful in all people . . and all thing; whose heart if full of love and warm with compassion; who has found joy in living and peace within herself.

I have a plaque on my wall that I received over 30 years ago with this inscription on it. I wanted to share it with my friends and of course thank Barbara Burrow for her words of wisdom.

Creating your own wish list

I had the pleasure of travelling with my sister and her husband to their cottage in Northern Indiana for the weekend. We decided to create our dream "get away" place for our retirement and pleasure. We took turns adding things to the long list of desirable features that we each wanted. The game allowed us to change and improve another person's idea to our own as long as we all then agreed that it was a better idea. The list we created had over 200 items that we chose. What fun and the time passed so quickly, we arrived at our destination, fresh, excited and full of energy. Try it sometime.

Our list included, an expresso machine, spa by the heated pool and cabana, a really great veggie garden, rose bushes like our grandmother grew when we were kids - fragrant and oh so colourful and many many other items.

This is also a good way to start creating a list of things that you want to include in a renovation project.

Girls Watch - Dreaming of being a Rockstar/January 23rd

One of my friends had a really nice bedroom with her own dressing room and ensuite. Her mum always bought her really nice soaps, shampoo and conditioners and other lovely scented products that permeated through her space. Very feminine and full of really great energy. I loved her space! Well guess what I found. A fabulous soap in a rocking pink colour that has hints of earlier days . . . laced with vanilla undertones. If you like the idea of a romantic soap in your bathroom choose Rockstar by Lush. You can order it online at www.lush.com.au (no I don't work for this company, I just love some of their products)

Maybe you have a similar experience to share.

Down Under January 23

Today is the first blog post. It is a memorable day . . . January 23rd 2010.

I choose the name Mary Susan in memory of my grandmother who used to call me by my first and middle name. It seems appropriate.

I would also like my first blog entry to pass on a prayer for the people in Hatti who have had to endure the earthquake or suffer loss of loved ones and homes.

I would also like to say thanks to Rachel for visiting my shop in Paddington and telling me about blogging and sending me an inspiring email and example to follow. Visit her blog at the following:
http://rachelealt.blogspot.com/2010/01/never-met-magpie-i-liked-until-now.html
She also pointed out a few tips and gave me a book to check out - Blogging for Bliss by Tara Frey.
Thank you Rachel!