Small World

Isn't funny how somethings just jump out at us and prove just how small this world really is. When I first started writing my blog back in February 2009, I was writing just for me and didn't really think that anyone would really follow what I was saying. I had a couple of friends commenting and then one day I had a comment and follower that I didn't know. I was so thrilled to think that someone who didn't know me was taking the time to comment. This person was Darlene from Canada and she had also recently started her blog My Life for a Year. Since then we have connected via our blogs, through Facebook and emails. We have even sent each other gifts. Well yesterday it was my absolute pleasure to finally meet my friend Darlene. She is currently in Australia and staying with her friend Debbie in Ballarat. Between Debbie and I  we surprised Darlene with a visit to Daylesford. The three of us spent a lovely afternoon eating, talking and enjoying great company.  Thank you Darlene and Debbie for a great day and I am privileged to call you both my friends.

Darlene and Davine

Endings and Beginnings

Well here we are at another Friday, the end of most peoples working week. Not so for me - for me it's the beginning of another weekend of looking after guests at "Old Chilli " in Daylesford". But this weekend I have mixed feelings as it is the last weekend I will be here in beautiful Daylesford. My mixed feelings are sadness that my wonderful 12 month adventure of managing the BnB is coming to an end, but also happiness that I am heading home and will have more time to catch up with not only my family but my friends as well.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my 12 months, I have meet some really lovely people, had experiences that I never thought I would have and proved to myself I can do anything if I put my mind to it. I did not take on this adventure as a money making venture but a personal growth venture. A couple of months ago I was at a loss as to think of any personal growth I had made over the time but in the past 8 weeks or so I have had a a few revelations both spiritually and mentally that I now know that my time in Daylesford has given me exactly what it was supposed to. Very appropriately my "Medicine Wheel" message for this month is "Success"!! Do I feel my 12 months at "Old Chilli " has been a success? Yes, definitely!!
So now I move onto my next 8 month life adventure . Why 8 months - well as of mid January 2013 Shane and I will be travelling around Australia for 12 months - so looking forward to writing about all the places we visit. So what will the next 8 months bring - I don't know but what I do know it will be an adventure! No matter what you, do make sure your life too is an ADVENTURE!!

Birthdays

Recently we had a party for my beautiful daughter Rachel's 30th -

it was a great night and even my grand babies enjoyed themselves.

Clare Megan Walker - 10 1/2 months

O'Shea Ryder Clohesy - 8 1/2 months

Happy Easter

I hope everyone out there had a lovely Easter. Mine was a bit different from other years. As I am in Daylesford at the B&B I have been very busy with guests. This is also the very first Easter I have spent alone - no family or friends. Not that I have been bored or lonely, my long weekend has been full of breakfasts, making up rooms and other B&B stuff. But it hasn't all been work, today I indulged in some crafty ventures.

What do you do when you have lots of soap bits - Make new soap of course.

After I had finished my soap experiment I decided to tackle the last bit of candle making supplies I had and make up some more wonderful smells in the kitchen.

Early morning in Rye

I sat watching this man do some surf fishing in the distance... as he left the beach with his head lowered I thought he had not had a lucky mornings fishing ... but when I looked at the shot enlarged I felt better for him, as I can see a tail in the bucket.. yeah he would have had breakfast!!

Which way will me wings take me ??...... Sometimes I wonder this myself !!

I would like to wish all out there (I hope you are out there!!) a very happy and extremely safe Easter. This is a very strange Easter for me as it is the fist time in my life I will be spending Easter on my own. Well not on my own, there are guests at Old Chilli B&B, but I don't know them.

The Lone Fisherman at Sunrise

The Lone Fisherman at Sunrise - Did he catch anything???

Yes he caught a small Banjo Shark -
and no he didn't keep him he sent him back to the Ocean

Daylesford Toadstools

Rye - Day 5

Well we have survived our first 5 days without to many dramas and no arguments (which is surprising) in our new camper. We have decided to name her "Myrtle" because that was my Nana's name and Shane's Mum was known as Myrtle. I am going to seek out some way to get the name put in the camper.

When we arrived on Wednesday (Day 1) all went week, we just put the camper up and had a nice relaxing evening and a great nights sleep. Then Thursday arrived and that was a different matter. We tackled the task of putting up the annex. Now we have put up many a tent and had no problems but a brand new annex is very rigid and not worn in at all and it took Shane, myself and two friends John and Mick several stressful hours to have it completed. Finally it was up and nice and cosy inside. Friday (Day 3) was a nice relaxing day with walks down to the pier, along the beach and just sitting talking to friends. Then that evening Robyn, Lois and myself went to the Peninsula Hot Springs. Oh my goodness what a beautiful and relaxing way to spend 3 hours. You can have lots of spa treatments there but there is an 8 week wait, so we just went to the bathhouse bathing. There is a total of 20 - yes I said 20 - mineral spring pools ranging from cold to warm to hot. There is even a pool in a cave (man made I think, but it's still a cave).  I think I may just have to go again before we leave.

Saturday was once again a lovely relaxing day - in fact I sat myself down and watched a movie - "The Descendants" with George Clooney. I wouldn't say it was the best movie I have ever watched but I enjoyed it. I even had a couple of tears. Today (Sunday - Day 5) we got up early and headed back towards the city to go to the Caravan & Camping Show. This time last year we actually bought "Myrtle" at the show. We were so stressed spending the amount of money we spent. So this year our finances were in a much more healthy state. I just bought a couple of things I now know I need and just had a enjoyable day. I collected lots of brochures on the areas we are intending on travelling to next year. So now we are back at our little camp site and we are both a bit weary, so I think it might be dinner, shower and a good movie that on the agenda tonight. So until next time remember to make sure you do something for yourself this coming week!!!!

First Time

Well our camper trailer is all packed and ready to head of on it's first little holiday. We are heading off to Rye - a small beach side town on the Mornington Peninsula - for the next week. This little trip is our first practice run in preparation to our big journey around Australia for 12 months at the end of this year.

Monday Road Trip

Shane and I decided to go on a bit of a road trip to Bendigo today. Bendigo is one of our old goldrush cities of the past. As with all the goldrush towns the Chinese community played a huge part in the history. With this in mind I really wanted to have a look at the "Golden Dragon Museum", "Yi Yuan Gardens" and the "Kuan Yin Temple." Our first stop was the Yi Yuan Gardens, there is something about both Chinese and Japanese traditional gardens, they are always so peaceful and colourful.

Colourful Lotus Leaf at the Museums entry

Yi Yuan Gardens

Our next stop was to the KuanYin Temple.
What can I say - it is a Buddhist Temple and there are lots of Buddhas.
Oh I was in total bliss.

The last stop was the museum. Amongst all the amazing artifacts the museum housed "Loong"(Dragon) the worlds oldest Imperial Dragon. Loong appeared in Bendigo in 1892 and annually paraded at the Bendigo Easter Parade until he retired in 1970.

Also housed is "Sun Loong" (new dragon) the worlds longest Imperial Dragon being over 100 metres in length. Sun Loong stretches his legs annually at the Bendigo Easter Gala Parade. These are not the only Dragons featured, there is also "Yar Loong" (night dragon), "Gansu Loong"(dragon fromGansu), "Ming & Ping" and  "Xiao Loong" (little happy dragon). They are all amazing pieces of past and current times.  

What a Weekend

What a weekend I have had - I now feel a bit drained. I am up at Daylesford as I have guests in Old Chilli B&B this weekend. Yesterday morning I had to take myself of to the Drs (was nearly going to be the hospital) as I was having fairly bad chest pains. Had and ECG done and the Dr informed me that it was all OK but it could be Angina so best I head off to my Dr next week to have a stress test done. Must say I was a little concerned. I finished the day with having one of my swollen throats again so I took my tablets that are supposed to relieve it - but all they seem to do is put me to sleep. Needless to say it was still not right when I awoke this morning, infact hasn't been right all day. I think I have found what causes it (Preservative E211) but sometimes I think it is bought on by stress. Also today is the 2 anniversary of my beautiful Dad leaving me. He was the best Dad a girl could possibly wish for and he was also the epitome of a Gentleman. I LUV you and MISS you Dad. He never had a wrong word to say about anyone, he always saw the good in everyone no matter how small it was. But I finished today of with a positive - Shane and I went and had a lovely meal at "Old Hepburn Hotel". It it's an old pub that has kept it's old, country charm and I haven't had a bad meal there yet.

My Wonderful Dad - Keith

Old Hepburn Hotel

Country Life

It's hard to believe that my Daylesford experience is already three quarters of the way finished. The last nine months has been very enjoyable, I have loved living the country lifestyle. Being a city girl I wasn't sure how I would cope living in the country but I have really enjoyed it.

Having worked in the travel industry for over 15 years as a travel agent and travel sales manager, I have visited lots of different types of accommodation and always had a bit of a fantasy that I'd like to run a B and B. So this has been my perfect opportunity. I haven't had to fork out heaps of money having to buy a property and I've had the experience of running one.

Country towns have great events, yesterday (Sunday) I went to a regional produce day. There were about 50+ stalls, information stands, entertainment and lots of yummy tastings.

Beautiful fresh locally grown Garlic - that hasn't travelled from the other side of the earth!!

Tiny Zucchini flowers - one day I will be adventurous and stuff some with something and try - not sure what to do though!!

Colourful Organic Tomatoes

Waiting Thinking Waiting Thinking!!

Here I am sitting in my car in a 15min parking area - as there are no other parking spots in the two blocks I have been circling - waiting for Shane who has another Dr's appointment at the hospital. He is still on crutches and still not allowed to drive after his hip replacement, so I am still his lifeline to the outside world. So while sitting here I have started thinking about me doing stuff for me. Those of you who have followed my blog in the past know that I am one to always do something for me at least every week if not daily. But now that I think about it, it has been a while since I have pampered myself - my life has been busy but not Davine busy. So I think it is time I got back on track of doing something for me and only me - funny thing I can't think of anything to do. But tomorrow morning I WILL do something for me - I will just rely on it coming to me in the morning.

Sitting waiting waiting waiting!!

Mmmm ? 1/4 hour parking - hope the parking dude doesn't happen by!!!

Just Sit

I am now back up in Daylesford at the B&B and then back to Melbourne tomorrow to visit Shane and then take him home on Monday. He is doing quite well, it's amazing how quickly they get him out of bed. With all that has been going on in my life lately I have been really really tired and just kept thinking that's OK things will quieten down. This week I have been involved in a forum with a special group of people and I have come to the realization that I am making my life a lot more busy than it needs to be. I need to sit back and just do nothing every now and then. I have always been pretty good at doing things for ME but that is still doing!! Maybe I just need to sit!!

Zoe after she helped me do some gardening  - we both then had a snooze

I came across this shop in the city the other day and the window was full of "Gollywogs" Now I am not sure if we are still aloud to call them "Gollywogs" but who cares I just love them to bits.

Hospital - Such Fun

What an exciting day I have had today. I have spent the majority of it in the hospital waiting room. Shane had his hip replacement today and as I write this he is in recovery, so I am presuming all went OK. I will give another update later, but for now I will share with you the view I am looking at out of the waiting room window.OK we will forget about the photo, can't seem to upload on my iphone. Anyway Shane is now on the ward - pretty good I must say although a little stoned from the drugs they have him on.

Lazy Day

Boy have I had a lazy old day today. I have pottered around all day - did some ironing - did a little bit of cleaning (the dreaded toilet and shower - don't mind cleaning to much - but hate cleaning the toilet & shower) - had a visit from Rachel & Clare - had an afternoon snooze - played on my laptop. I am the sort of person who always justifies my day by what I have done. So am I going to try and justify my day today - nah - today was just a lazy old day. Tomorrow may be different my partner goes into hospital to have his hip replacement. Thank goodness he will soon be out the unbearable pain he has been in for a while.

New Foods

Today's weather was a bit more comfortable than yesterday but Rachel, Clare and I still headed of to a shopping plaza to indulge in their airconditioning. While having lunch Clare had her first experience with a whole banana. It turned out pretty messy and Clare with a full mouth of banana which she quickly mushed up in her mouth and swallowed - while Rachel (her mum) and I not to sure if she was going to choke. The moment really gave me flashback as I thought of Rachel when she was just a little older than Clare and she started eating all new foods. For a moment I saw my daughters eyes in her daughters eyes. What a wonderful life I have.

Clare at 8 months (well almost anyway)

Rachel at 12 months

Whats With Our Weather!!!

We have had the craziest weather this Christmas and New Year. Christmas Day was quite humid and around 30c when all of a sudden we got the biggest hail storm I have ever experienced. I was lucky that I only had a leak in the bathroom but some people had major problems. Here's a shot of Shane's car getting hammered by the hail.

Shanes car getting hammered by the hail on Christmas Day.

Then today we experienced an Aussie Summer at 40c!!! Even though the house was a bit cool with the airconditioner I was starting to get cabin fever. So Shane and I decided to go for a drive. We ended up in Williamstown which is a lovely small historic village. We had good old Fish n Chips for lunch - did a bit of driving around and here we are back home trying to cool down. It's 11.00pm and the temp is still 30c.

Looking at Melbourne (city) from Point Gellibrand - Williamstown - 40c!!!

Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Hope you have all had a wonderful 2011 Christmas and an even better New Years Eve. I really love celebrating New Years Eve, not only is it a great night to spend with friends (in my case usually celebrating a little to much) but I love the idea of December 31st being a closure of the year and January 1st is a whole new beginning. I used to make New Years Resolutions but as with most of us they were usually broken before January has finished. So now my New Years Resolution is the same every New Year - I will be the best I can be - I will do things just for me on a regular basis - I will cherish my family and friends and above all I will be REAL. Wishing you all the very best 2012 and may it be all you want it to be.

Yes I Am Still Alive!!!

Yes I am still alive. It's a month today since I last posted on my blog. My life has been extremely busy in the last month - what with travelling between Old Chilli Bed & Breakfast in Daylesford and Eltham twice a week, looking after Shane who is on the waiting list for a hip replacement and my life in general. I am now over half way thru my time in Daylesford, only 5 months until Tim and Brian return from Canada and my adventure is finished. I must say I have loved the past 7 months running a B&B and I am still enjoying it. I decided to make my time in Daylesford to be Davine time and to strive to do things that I enjoy and that would make my life more whole. I think I am succeeding in my journey and I am looking forwarding to it continuing. One thing I have learnt in my Davine time is the truest and most loving gift we can give ourselves is just be true to yourself. I mean REALLY true to yourself. It is quite easy to tell ourselves little white lies about how we feel, what we eat, how we treat others, how much we move our body and many other things. But if we cut out all the crap - scrape the bones clean - and really check out our true self the crap stands out like a beacon. So I believe that if we "Spring Clean" - even in Summer or Winter - a bit of crap out our lives our true self will shine that little bit more. Until next time goodnight and above all love yourself - your true self.

Can't remember where I got this from - but thank you from the author.