New inspiration.....

Lately I have created  two new necklaces both featuring the cross symbol as the focal.

I was very fortunate to come across this special, truly beautiful specimen of mother of pearl carved in the shape of a cross, many months ago. It was only this week that I came across this piece in my collection and away I went! Combined with two serene, champagne glass pearls, the finished necklace whispers volumes!

The red glass cross was a special find at a more recent bead show. The clarity and 'redness' of this handmade piece needs to be seen to be really appreciated.

Finally, the gorgeous turquoise dichroic earrings....these crosses were bought at the bead show also and were handmade in America. I hope my earrings do them justice.....

First organic potato crop in raised beds at the Acreage.

After Trev so carefully made eight lovely veggie beds on our Acreage in Heathcote, Victoria, I thought I would try and plant my first crop of potatoes in one bed and see what happens! I dug the tough, dry, clay soil. Sprinkled gypsum quite heavily to help open up the clay. Watered well. Put down layers of hay, mulch, top soil, chook poo,watered well some more, then more layers of the same. Finally, I planted my Desiree seed potatoes all over the rectangular bed. The first photo shows the bed with layers prepared. Second photo shows the first potato plants peeping through. In all, we had 25 plants growing steadily. The next photo shows the change in soil after two/three months and one of our first potatoes plus a juicy, happy worm! The last photo shows part of our produce which we have steadily enjoyed over the last month or two.