This week, Roy had a very firm idea of just what he wanted to do. He wanted to visit a garden, but one which people may not have visited before. I suggested visiting the Orange Botanical Gardens, because I had visited before and thought they were very pretty, especially in Autumn! When we arrived though, Roy changed his mind about just what he wanted to show you. Orange Botanical Gardens have many sculptures, but there was one which particularly captured Roys attention - a sundial.
Some time ago, you might remember that Roy became quite taken with animation and illusions. I had taken some Snoopy animation film cels to show the children (you can read about these by clicking here) and they were fascinated to learn about the history of animation. Roy decided then and there that he would have to learn to make some of the old animation toys so that he could show all his online friends how to make them too. He's already created a thaumatrope, which you can find out about by clicking here. Now, he's finally conquered the flip book and is ready to show you a fool proof method of making your own!
Imagine, your excitement! The Second World War has recently ended. Throughout the War you had to wear severe clothing because of rationing. So boring for a young lady but you just couldn't get the material for anything else! Now though it's 1950. A new style is emerging and you are so excited because you have just purchased the material to make a skirt. You can't believe how much material the pattern demands, but you've seen other women wearing the new fashion 'circle skirts', and you love them.
Recently at School, the children have been learning about the 'early days' in Australia, and have been really interested in certain periods of history, especially the convict era and the Gold Rush. When I told Roy, he decided that he should visit somewhere which fitted with this. We've already visited several convict places, but have spent much less time at the Gold Fields, so Roy decided he wanted to 'go for gold' this week. Of course, there are many gold fields to choose from, but Roy wanted to visit the place where it all began - Ophir, not far from Orange in NSW Central West.
This week, Roy and I were visiting a local Growers Market when Roy found some tiny cucumbers. He thought they were so cute and wondered if there was anything which he could make with them. When I explained to him that gherkins were tiny cucumbers made into a pickle, he decided he had to have the cucumbers and try making his own. Our gherkins were fantastic, and so simple to make that we thought we would share the recipe with you!
Imagine, it's the late 1880s. You are having a party at your home soon and today you are finalising the musical arrangements. After all, a party isn't a party without music! The question now is what sort of music you want to have at your party. You have plenty of choice, because recently your family has bought one of the new Edison Phonographs - you're family is the only one in the area to have one so it is very exciting. To be able to have music in your home whenever you want, other than Grandma clanking on the piano, is simply wonderful!
This week, with the weather being so lovely, Roy decided it was the perfect time to do something outdoors. I suggested lots of different activities, but he wanted to 'take in some art', which proved a little more difficult. After all, he wanted to visit somewhere which not many people know about, which ruled out most art galleries and sculpture gardens! Eventually, I hit upon the perfect place to take him - Collector (not far from Canberra). Collector may be a small country town, but it has a massive open-air artwork called Dreamers Gate. If you would like to visit it, turn off the Federal Highway into Collector and drive along Church Street. The sculpture is opposite the Bushranger Hotel, and you can't miss it! You may even have driven through Collector to see the Bushranger Hotel (to find out about Roy's visit click here) and wondered what the sculpture was. Now, Roy can tell you!
Earlier this week Roy and I were going for a walk and admiring all the Autumn colour in the trees around us. Roy thought the trees were beautiful and wished he could do something to bring some of their Autumn colour home. Then, I remembered that when I was little I used to make 'stained glass' windows using Autumn leaves and hang them in the window. Roy was really excited by this idea and wanted to share it with all of you!
Imagine, you are a woman living in the 1920's. Tonight, you are going to a party and it is important that you look your best! You have already chosen your dress, and make-up will be done later in the day, but now it is time to start your hair styling. Like many of the women around you, you will want to appear with tight waves in your hair, but your hair is naturally straight and limp. Luckily, you own a crimping iron so you can style your hair appropriately, but it is a long and sometimes dangerous task!
Today, Mothers Day, many people will be giving their Mum's tickets to a concert, the theatre or to see a movie, or perhaps a CD or some other type of music. Music is a very popular way to tell people, like our Mum's that they are special. It's a little known fact, but Roy is a great singer so I suggested that for Mothers Day he sing something special for his Grandma, who always comes on our outings. He thought that was a great idea, but of course he also wanted to take her somewhere special where he could sing. When I suggested the Prince Of Wales Opera House in Gulgong (not far from Mudgee in Central NSW), he thought this would be perfect.
