Sweet rewards and a new season.

This post comes with a TMI warning: Too Much Information. If you don't feel comfortable hearing about menstrual cycles and the like, you are permitted to run screaming now.

On that note, I don't do head-in-the-sand well. I do talking things out, being open, not hiding or being ashamed, educating myself and others. I do real. I do bold. And as I was completely unaware of what perimenopause was, and how it can affect every single part of your life, I'm just not going to shut up about it. 

I assumed aging hormones was like a gentle country stroll; gradually winding down a lovely slope until one day, you couldn't have babies anymore. Hubby assumed the same. I did think that the sun may have made me a little flushed and sweaty at times, and I may start to crave lots of wine on my stroll and make silly Face Book posts about it.

How wrong was I?! For one thing, I am not particularly fussed on wine. And that stroll is more like mountain climbing. In the dark.

Knowing what we know now, hubby and I both feel empowered for the next phase of my aging. 

After the most severe, frightening and intense PMS I have ever experienced (thanks for making that worse perimenopause), I got my monthlies, spot on time. Perimenopause hasn't changed the frequency, but it has changed them. If I wasn't already experiencing hormonal fluctuations, I would have thought I was pregnant. Sad reality- I'm just aging. 

I had hopes and dreams of just one more bubby. Kinda sucks that I got re-married in my forties and had a limited window. In reality, I still could have one more. It would require money, medication, and more hormonal fluctuations. In all honesty- I'm completely grateful for what I already have.

I fell pregnant right on turning 44. In fact, I had a honeymoon baby. My sweet baby girl was born three and a half months before my 45th birthday. She was 3 weeks early, due to my recurring pregnancy blood pressure issues, but she was strong, alert and healthy.

She still is.

I adore seeing her gappy toothed smile each morning, and hearing her ask for cuggles with her little arms outstretched. She delights my soul.

My loves

I had two beautiful girls alone previously. Single mum life is hard. I resigned myself to the fact I would never know what it felt like to have someone openly welcome the birth of my baby, and would just have to wait for grand babies to fulfill my ache for more. Then I met an amazing young man, who after relentless pursuing, convinced me that he was the one, and fulfilled my unspoken desire.

I am blessed beyond measure. I am grateful. The past has its own story. The time has come to let go of what was, and embrace the new, which includes diet and lifestyle choices.

I am ready.

But I will also ease myself into this new season.

Sugar cravings have come back severely. Gosh darn it, I heart the sweet stuff.
So, if I eat it sweet, its gotta be nutrient dense and portion controlled. That is my compromise.

Enter my:

Brekky Banana Bread
ingredients:

• 4 overripe bananas (mine were defrosted after freezing)
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1/2 cup LSA
• 1/2 cup raw honey
• 1/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 1/3 cup shredded coconut
• 1 tbs chia gel (soaked chia seeds in minimal water until a thick gel)
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup wholewheat SR flour

method:

• pre-heat oven to 180 degrees C
• mix all ingredients together in one bowl with a spatula
• line a loaf tin with grease-proof paper
• bake for approximately 30 mins
• if skewer doesn't come out clean, cover with foil, lower temp and bake a further 15 mins
• may be frozen or eaten fresh

This recipe made one loaf and 12 mini muffins for my toddlers daycare lunch box. Healthy, nutrient dense and perfect energy/ brain food for brekky. Slice once cool and freeze individual slices for use when needed.

For those that read 'til the end, I thank you :)

I hope this was entertaining and satisfies your sweet tooth too.

Until next time...

Community Garden Update

This week has been H.U.G.E. And crazy, disappointing, amazing, challenging, encouraging...Highs and lows all over the place.

It's still crazy hot. Summer has forgotten to end. It may not. I am thrilled to be sporting a fresh sunburn one inch below my knees. Now I look like a tan, beige, red and white patchwork quilt. Goody. 

I could smell hubby come home just before. Even through my gagging, I am so incredibly proud of his 14 hr day. He is a machine!

We have had more hoons drive down the steep slope, not to dump green waste, but their KFC rubbish before ripping up more ground. Not really the kind of attention we want. I argued with hubby as to why I couldn't plant tyre spikes. Darn safety issues.

Read on to have a look at the week that was...

MONDAY

Hubby had been scouting for a while for a ride on mower. Today, we found one. Quite a drive away. That drive involved us having to hire another large, heavy trailer, drive to an unfamiliar city in the heat, get lost several times, make couples who fight on home improvement shows look calm and rational, and eventually find the guys home and purchase a ride on.

Thankfully, the guy was friendly, owned a mower shop, showed us how to use it in detail, and said we could contact him for any issues if needed. 

Our fab new toy :)

Haven't used it yet- hubby has beaten me too it.

TUESDAY
Such a yuk start to the day...

Turned up to find our new trailer had been treated badly. The break light cable had been severed. Instead of getting the blue slip done, we tracked down a auto electrician to repair this disappointing damage. 

He was a lovely guy who chatted away in the blistering hot sun whilst he worked. He gave us a bag of his home grown fruit as a gift when we left. 

A challenging start turned into a pleasant ending. 

I like friendly people.

We ended the day without the trailer blue slip or rego getting done.

WEDNESDAY

I intended to go to gym today. My gym ended up being lifting, and throwing, a huge pile of logs and branches. In the heat. No choreographed tunes and blissful air con for this girl- I'm made of tougher stuff than that. Not really. I'm a diva in this heat. But I did impress hubby when I loaded the trailer in under 10 minutes. Go me :)

Hubby also started digging a curved walkway. The place is starting to take on shape. Exciting. 

THURSDAY

Blue slip today. It went without a hitch. Not so lucky at the RMS. Apparently, we were supposed to have been given an invoice when we purchased the trailer, not an ordinary receipt. So it was a trip back to Bunnings to get this. Thankfully, though it was confusing for all, the staff were incredibly helpful, and we all feel we have learnt something from the process. Fast forward seven hours and a $155 later, we finally have a registered trailer. 

The runaround has been worth it. The trailer has already been invaluable in helping us clear the land. Even better now that we can legally take it on the road.

Today also involved us ripping down a fence. The kids play area had a fence around it that had definitely seen better days, so down it came, ready for some remodeling. 

Out with the old.

Uneven, old mix-matched wooden posts are being removed for a touch of modern.

FRIDAY

My hubby is an incredibly dedicated and hardworking person, and with this project, even more so. He is down at the crack of dawn getting stuck into work. This morning, I arrived at 7:30am- hours after him. My 20 yr old watched her sissy so I could help my hubby. Grateful.

We hired a post hole digger. It was noisy, and difficult. Difficult because the machine was a little past its prime, and because the ground is either sand, or clay. One collapses, one compacts. Fun.

May I say, putting fences in is quite the challenge. So much measuring, checking, and re-checking. It is worth it though. Nothing looks worse than out of line, uneven fences. 

Hubby putting in the new black metal post, and making sure it's exactly where it needs to be. He inspires me :)

Almost as soon as we got the last side post in, the shipping container we were told about yesterday arrived.

The driver was lovely and chatted with us for close to half an hour after putting the container in place. 

People seem genuinely interested in what's going on here.

Might I add, the shipping container was free!

Now we have a secure larger space available.

More posts going in. Slow, tedious, and very hot work.

Hubby lined the remaining fence segments up. 

These old things are getting a lick of black paint.

Why waste what you can reuse?

Tomorrow will be another big day. The fence has to be completed by Sunday for use by creche. I am on creche so I would appreciate this being done. A dozen kids trapped inside...no thanks!

I must say, the work is challenging. I shoveled road base into the wheel barrow and carted it to hubby, helped fill the post holes, pulled apart a hardwood sandpit for use elsewhere, lifted fence sections, and more. My hubby is the star of the day, however. He just didn't stop.

But when you believe in something so strongly, why would you? The passion keeps you going.

That is all for now, dear readers. Hope this is inspiring some of you to get out and challenge yourself someway this week.

Until next time, thanks for reading :)

Explaining perimenopause

I have been doing quite a lot of research into my descent into madness, AKA perimenopause. I taken material directly from the Menopause Centre Australia (writing in italics) to help explain clearly what life is currently like for me.

What is Peri Menopause?

Perimenopause can be a somewhat uncomfortable and even frightening time for women who are unprepared for the changes that accompany it. It is the second stage of the menopause process, and it can be recognized as the stage that signals the start of the end of the reproductive years.

Although all women are different, they usually enter perimenopause in their late thirties or early forties. During this time, the female body prepares for the total cessation of reproductive functions, causing myriad changes and feelings.

Causes of Peri Menopause
At the most fundamental level, perimenopause is caused by a sudden increase in hormone fluctuations.

There are two major reasons for these to happen:

Hormonal Causes: They result in the visible signs and symptoms of perimenopause. This involves the natural hormonal fluctuations that accompany aging and eventually lead to an end of the reproductive years.

External Causes: These involve things like stress and medical procedures that can trigger hormone changes.

Perimenopause Symptoms
Probably the most recognizable feature of perimenopause, symptoms is the way women’s bodies respond to the erratic hormonal changes taking place. Perimenopause symptoms often begin at a mild level of intensity and may come and go unpredictably for months or even years. Some of the most common perimenopause symptoms are:

• Anxiety
• Bloating
• Breast Pain & Tenderness
• Burning Tongue
• Depression
• Digestive Problems
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Hair Loss
• Heart Palpitations
• Hormonal Headaches
• Hot Flushes
• Incontinence
• Irregular Periods
• Irritability
• Itchy Skin
• Joint Pain
• Lack of concentration
• Low Libido
• Memory loss
• Mood Swings
• Muscle Tension
• Night Sweats
• Osteoporosis
• Panic Disorder
• Sleep Disorders
• Tingling Extremities
• Vaginal Dryness

I have highlighted (most) of the areas I am, or have, experienced. Life as I knew it is no more. 

This isn't all bad news however. While it is definitely a quite unpredictable and often erratic season, I have managed to add some calm. I now swear by St John's Wort. Several symptoms have eased considerably, except for those occasional flare-ups when severe hormonal swings occur, as they did on the weekend. 

These symptoms improved are: 

• Sleep. I am more able to get to sleep within an hour of going to bed and can sleep almost a full night more often.
• Panic. This has eased dramatically. Not everything is a catastrophe anymore.
• Mood swings. Impressive improvement. I don't cry as much for one thing.
• Depression. Huge improvement.
• Anxiety. Huge improvement.
• Irritability- improved, until an estrogen surge hits!
• Memory/ concentration. Huge improvement. At one point, my memory and concentration was so bad, I would literally forget what I was talking about mid sentence. When I am tired, sometimes it is still difficult to speak clearly; It often feels like: Words- Brain-Speak- Blah. But overall, big improvement.

I am also now addicted to strength training. It has helped on so many levels, least of all protecting me against osteoporosis when my hormones finally go. I am a strong girl now, and I like it!

My diet is as erratic as my moods are sadly. Exhaustion and feeling down has contributed largely to this. I am working on creating some balance here as well. It will happen! 

Supplements I am also taking, which seem to be helping, include:

• Co Enzyme Q10. Heart health.
• Magnesium powder. Muscle cramp relief.
• Vitamin B complex. Memory and energy.

I am going to get through this, sane and healthy! I will adjust and embrace this crazy new season with joy, even if I have to scream and kick a little along the way :)

I hope this helps other women who may be feeling out of control. You are NOT going crazy. Your body is changing, and that in itself is scary.

That is all for now, dear readers. thanks for your time yet again :)

 

Made it with my sanity intact!

Made it with my sanity intact! Debatable, actually. 

I took this sunrise this morning. When I'm feeling out of control, I need natures beauty to calm me down. 

Gratitude really helps too.

This week has been a colourful emotional roller coaster for sure. Full of highs, and lows, have a quick look at the week that was...

Monday

Got an early morning text from hubby saying someone had illegally dumped green waste at our community garden project. Turned up to see tyre tracks ripping down the slope, and a huge pile of waste dumped in the creek and spilling out onto the grass. What a way to start the week :(

Later, I took my toddler swimming. Oh dear. Little miss scream a lot inhaled more water than she swam through, I'm sure. She was so distressed, we had to exit the pool before the lesson finished. Whatever happened to our little cheeky water baby?! Even bath times have become a battle ground. Toddlers are so confusing at times. Lucky they are cute.

Tyre tracks of the inconsiderate dumper. Not impressed at all.

Some of the rubbish thoughtful people have dumped into the creek.

As frustrating as it is, I have to hold onto the hope that, soon enough, it will be a beautifully loved, landscaped area for the community.

Tuesday

After my 2nd last PT sesh this morn, my dearest dad came down. Initially is was to pick up the new phone we got for him- with larger text and an easier to use key pad. It turned into an epic hardware trip day.

While here, it was obvious that his health is deteriorating rapidly. Even getting into and out of the car was taxing on him and left him breathless. Combined with him talking of who gets what when he goes, and reminiscing about the past ...sad day. I'm proud he is a hardworking 86 year old. I am also very aware he hasn't got forever left :(

We were gifted with a trailer today! Still in shock. And here the learning curve commences. Trailers need blue slips- even sparkly new trailers. Once all this new and confusing paperwork is sorted out, we can use it to re-dump (at cost) the rubbish people have dumped onto our (the churches) lot.

I will end today with a positive note...second band prac in the evening- first time on a mike for years. I'm obviously not as confident as before, and I also have to re-learn harmonies and new songs, but overall, I loved it- they are the best group of people to be with :)

Wednesday

After an impossibly hot, humid night (seriously, get lost summer), I woke at 3:30 and struggled to get back to sleep, after struggling to fall asleep.  My sweet girl woke at 5, hot and hungry. After her bottle, she was snuggly. Even though repulsively humid, I snuggled my sweet little girl. How could I refuse her?

Last PT sesh this morn- leg day. And I smashed it! I can't believe at how much stronger I am. I took 2 whole minutes off my time trial too, impressing my trainer, and myself, and earned myself a $10 discount as a reward :)

I LOVE weights, and can now do real push ups, not the rest on your knees type. I am determined to keep this level of strength up, and work on my cardio. I was praying I wouldn't have a heart attack at the gym during my time trial. Yep, cardio definitely needs some work.

Thursday

The intense heat and humidity is crazy. And my moods match. I'm having an estrogen dominated cycle: constant vile mood swings and tears- basically, PMS on steroids. Yay. 

Lucky for all, its community garden day, the perfect opportunity to let some of my cranky pants out with hard work.

The day was incredibly productive. It took me several attempts to mow the main section. The heat was oppressive, and my legs were a little sore from my training the previous day. Thankfully, our pastor came out with coffee, water and icy cold lemonade- so gratefully received! 

Ben turned up to help again, and worked like crazy helping chain saw and remove lopped trees with hubby. The trailer was invaluable today, being used to cart and dump branches along the barrier.

Met a lovely neighbour as well who offered us some bath tub planters and seeds from her garden. This made up for the rude garden dumpers from Monday.

We stayed the longest we've stayed on a Thursday. It was undeniably hard work, but the progress is worth it.

Credit to my amazing hubby for working like crazy, even in the heat.

The lopped umbrella tree we had to clean up.

Hubby fixed the shed doors.

My little mowing buddy is back :)

The trailer loaded with yet more tree refuse.

Ben chainsawing a fallen tree into pieces with hubby supervising.

Friday

All plans we had today fell by the wayside. The weather is oppressive and our bodies spent. I am struggling with my moods again. A lot. I hate the hormonal roller coaster. Its not only frightening- one minute I feel fine, the next, like a slap out of no-where, I'm incredibly irritable at everything- it's distressing as I take it out on others,  and then I'm teary. 

I'm actually sure I prefer the vague, tired symptom to this one. It's horrible to experience. It's also horrible to watch people cringe around you. 

I am extremely open about my struggle with my family, and others really. I'm currently not particularly aware of myself when I go off, and at times, everything makes me cry. All I can do is apologise, and hope they are patient with me as I journey through this bumpy season of change.

The night ended well though. Hubby and I watched Better Homes & Gardens together. We got inspired for our community garden project. Pity our current budget doesn't match our desires...yet!

Saturday

Feeling so angry today. No idea why. Slept ok, except for 3 wake ups. Not overly hungry. Just. So. Angry. No reason for this craziness. Oh wait- hormonal upheaval...!!! Hurry up and be next week so I can start medication- I want to feel sane again, and in control and balanced. 

Did my morning cleaning job. Started at 7:30am and sweated standing still, it's insanely hot still. Lots to clean today- added to my joyous mood. 

Hubby assembled my bike. Front tyre was pancake flat, back had some air. After cleaning this morn, I walked in the hot sun to the servo to pump the tyres as I was super keen to get to use my new purchase. Half way there, the front tyre came off the rim. Friends saw and helped while hubby drove out. Gave hubby the front tyre while lovely friends offered a cool drink and some shade at their home over the road. 

Fast forward- hubby pumped up tyre, lovely friend attached it. Hubby went home, I went to the servo to pump remaining tyre. Ended up walking home in the heat with a flat tyre and a vanishing valve. Now I have a lovely garden ornament :(

Take two tomorrow.

I will end with pictures of my little treasure. Through all of this crazy emotional roller coaster, she is my constant source of hugs and joy.

Greeted by this sweet little princess at day care on Thursday.

Playing 'sleeps' with dolly :)

No idea how she copes with the blanket in this heat though.

Who needs expensive toys! Give a toddler a box and watch them have a ball.

There you have it, a look into my week. One thing I do know- I need to seek help. It's crazy attempting to go through struggles alone. I need to sit down and get serious about being accountable to someone. It's vital I do, and the best way i can show love to myself and those affected by this season. 

Now, when it cools down (and I feel like cooking again), I aim to add recipes to my next post. Until then, thanks for reading :)

The week that was- achieving through the fatigue.

This week has been a mixed bag. What has been consistent is this: Fatigue. Horrible, energy draining, constant lethargy. Not a fan. Hormones, be nice!

Despite the fatigue, I have managed to do quite a lot. In fact, I'm so impressed with myself right now :) Don't feel bad if you haven't had such a marvelous week of achievement; as I type, I'm sitting in bed wearing my new spotty pj's, bloated from too much chocolate (early Valentines Day celebrating) at 3 in the afternoon. It is the weekend after all. And after the week that was, I definitely feel I've earned this break.

Take a look through the pics to see a condensed view of the past several days...

MONDAY

These are power packed Protein Balls for my hubby. I made them Monday to last (hopefully!) into next week. Recipe at the end of this post.

Meaty pizza, made from scratch. Monday nights are fast turning into homemade pizza night. I'm going to have to make a few meat and flour free alternatives for myself though- this kind of eating is just too much for me.

TUESDAY

Many of you wouldn't be aware, but around four years ago, I stepped down from close to 8 years of singing with the church band. This Tuesday evening, I attended my first band practice for years. Despite feeling tired physically, my soul feels energised and I simply can't wait to be back on stage, passionately belting out worship to my God.

I'm actually thrilled to be the oldest member. And in all honesty, I've dearly missed my band family. Excited for this new season :)

WEDNESDAY

The personal training sessions continue. And wow- am I getting so much stronger and fitter- woo!

I also visited an amazingly inspirational lady. Check out her writing out at the blue gypsy inc- she has a raw, intelligent and powerful way of communicating. It's important to make the effort to connect with those who inspire me creatively. I certainly left wanting to sit down and write like crazy!

THURSDAY

Community garden day! My favourite day of the week currently. Look below at the slow but steady progress...

I tackled this! So impressed with myself for making it through thick growth with a broken lawnmower. I feel stronger, and that is spurring me on to get even fitter and get more done next week.

Clearing a path to allow for tree refuse to be placed as a barrier. The trees will provide a natural habitat for wild life too.

Hubby back at it with the chain saw. So many trees lopped, so many to go. 

Hubby had another helper-Ben. This made the work so much easier.

Despite being overgrown, I loved this little corner of nature. So pretty with the sun streaming through the trees...perfect spot for a daydream.

The huge stump of an umbrella tree. Now, what the heck do we do with the base?!

The cleared area, looking slightly more like park lands in the making. 

Almost ready for some grass seed, mulch, garden beds and pathways. 

So excited for that!

Our amazing church pastor, Kristy Godfrey, sent through some photos that inspired her. 

I love this simple community veggie garden plot. Very do-able.

FRIDAY

Another personal training session. My sweet toddler woke me at 3am, and while I got sleep after it, I was even more fatigued than usual. But I still smashed it! I am learning to ignore the feeling of lethargy- when I push through, I feel amazing inside, even if I'm still feeling tired on the outside.

Friday was also Dr visit day. I shared my struggle with my Dr about the wall I hit, and the steps I had taken to manage the symptoms, including exercise, St John's Wort (incredibly helpful!), magnesium powder (almost no palpitations and no period cramps anymore), plus B complex vitamins. I also told her that despite all of this, the fatigue, and subsequent brain fog persisted. 

She ordered a FSH test to see what my Follicle Stimulating Hormone is doing. And, in 2 weeks time, I have a low dose estrogen cream, and combined low dose estrogen and progesterone pill to take to re-establish some hormonal balance. 

The only reason I have to wait 2 weeks? In case I'm not pregnant. Perimenopause doesn't rule out pregnancy. At all.

I have learnt so much about my body this past month and a bit. I feel a little more in control now that I've done the research. I actually feel more ready than ever for the new season ahead. It will be different. But different isn't always a bad thing. It can also mean exciting and new.

After the Dr's, I took my sweet girl to the beach for a quick play. She loves the water, and came home with a kilo of sand on her hands and feet :)

SATURDAY

After my 2 hours of paid cleaning Saturday mornings, I wanted to go bike shopping.

As soon as it's available for pick- up, this is my new baby!

Thank you, Flybuys for my discounted purchase :)

I'm so keen to go bike riding again- it's been years!

Today was a lovely day to explore. Hubby and I are making the effort to stop and do random fun things together.

As we hadn't been to Murwillumbah for the longest time, we had an outing there to explore, and check out the gallery.

Personally- the best collection of work I've seen there at the one time, ever.

The Margaret Olley Wing never ceases to inspire me.

I left wanting to lock myself away and start painting again.

Maybe I will do just that...

Now, as promised, the recipe for PROTEIN BALLS...

ingredients:

1/2 heaped cup natural (no sugar/salt) peanut butter

1 tbs chia seeds

1/3 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup LSA

1/2 cup oats

1 heaped tbs rice malt syrup

1/4 cup cocao

1/4 cup water

30g scoop low carb protein powder

1/2 cup shredded coconut

Simply combine all the ingredients in a processor, blitz until combined and roll into generous bite sized balls. Store in the fridge. 

Makes 18 power packed serves. And as they are power packed, 1 at a time is sufficient.

It's been a big, busy and satisfying week. I didn't let fatigue beat me at all. 

Sweet Potato Topped Beef & Bacon Pies

I am back with so much to share! First off, let me say hallelujah for the rain and several degree temperature drop. Last night was icky, sticky and way too humid- just like the past week. The thought of gardening today in the heat and humidity was a bit depressing. And then, the heavens opened. 

Initially, it was quite lovely. Then it gradually got heavier, and heavier, and heavier again, until working in it became a little too uncomfortable. After about an hour or so, I bailed, as did my wonderful helper, my dear friend Margy- though she stuck it out a little longer than me, truth be told. As for hubby- he stayed and braved the rain for many hours longer.

That was when I decided he deserved a meaty treat for dinner. Enter my sweet potato topped beef and bacon pies. Simple, delish and filling for a hardworking hubby. Recipe to follow at the end of the post. Take a look first at the day that was...

Fresh from the oven- a simple, hearty dinner.

The mowing is keeping the weeds at bay and allowing some grass to peek through, The section through the trees was part of today's clearing challenge. 

Another challenge section- the creek and beyond. We won't let anything stand in our way!

The day had arrived where some trees could come down.

I've been excited about this day! 

Out with some weeds and soon, in with some well chosen natives.

The lopping starts...

and the tree is going...

going...

going...

almost there...

Gone!

 My awesome friend, Margy, not afraid to get dirty and help out, even in the rain. 

It was actually quite a challenge. 

The years have left piles of leaf litter on top of stumps, branches, and interesting finds.

We were just keeping our eyes open- the area was perfect snake habitat.

Another tree lopped. There are a few more umbrella tree suckers sprouting here and there, but they will be taken care of next week.

Margy and I created two piles of debris: a rubbish timber and usable pile. The pile on the right will go towards creating a large compost bay.

Hopefully, we can budget in turning the left pile into wood mulch.

Hubby with our newest purchase- a budget brush cutter.

We realised we needed it, and are committed to seeing this get done.

The results were so worth it- it can clear an area before a mower and help find danger items like sticks and branches under deep weeds.

If you look closely, not only will you see a kookaburra on middle left, but slightly off centre, the above picture of hubby is zoomed out.

This is how big the initial section is.

Seeing it getting cleared is the best- 

creating the perfect canvas to landscape.

The only kind of reptile I want to see when I'm clearing a swampy area- a bearded dragon, making a great go of imitating a log. 

As you can see, things are moving along and a steady pace. If we had a digger and a backhoe, life would be a dream and the clearing would take days, not weeks and months. With or without the aid of heavy machinery, we are still determined to make this space amazing!

We have dreams of a pergoda, a wide, disabled access bridge across the creek, picnic seating, lush grass, and that's even before we talk walking track with reading coves.

Having people join us, as my beautiful friend, Margy did today, not only makes the work easier, but encourages us to keep going. The community is going to get one amazing space soon!

Now, onto tonight's dinner. I have been training hard, and carried branches today, so I don't want to be stuck cooking for hours- fatigue sets in towards nightfall for me. Tonight's meal had to be simple and satisfying. And, it was!

SWEET POTATO TOPPED BEEF & BACON PIES

ingredients:

500gms beef mince

75 gms bacon

1/2 zucchini

1 garlic clove

1/2 brown onion

1 cup grated cheddar

1/2 large sweet potato, mashed with milk & butter

1 heaped tbsp Instant gravy powder

salt & pepper

1 sheet puff pastry, defrosted

method:

• preheat oven to 220 C
• chop sweet potato (skin on) and steam or boil
• while potato is cooking, brown bacon, garlic, onion and zucchini over medium heat
• add mince, and brown also
• add gravy powder, salt & pepper- mix well
• lightly grease 4 ramekins
• even mince out between each
• top with 1/4 cup grated cheddar
• mash sweet potato and top each pie
• cut pastry into four square quarters and place over pies
• bake 15 minutes or until pastry rises and is golden

Serve with salad.

Hubby loved his dinner! Always makes me happy when my meals satisfy :)

The ramekins filled with the mince mix, cheese and sweet potato... 

Hubby called me over to take this photo :)

I think he liked his meal!

The day has certainly been full, and also wonderful. I hope this inspires you to get out, take on a challenge to improve the lives of others, or just make some great home cooking!

That is your lot for today. Until next time, thanks for reading :)