To The Manor Boyle

Sundays...

2009-04-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

From Now On To The End...

2009-04-10T00:02:00.000-07:00

It's Friday, Good Friday in fact.

sigh.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Knee Deep...

2009-04-06T00:02:00.000-07:00

Camera Critters..

It was interesting to see a frog just hangin'

in the driveway last week.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Sundays...

2009-04-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Diamonds on Her Key Ring...

2009-04-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

Inspire Me Thursday...

Almost a Paul Simon song.. Dimonds on the...

however it's my keyring, not the soles my shoes...

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Sundays...

2009-03-29T00:02:00.000-07:00

Sundays...

2009-03-22T00:02:00.000-07:00

Laundry Art...

2009-03-19T16:57:00.000-07:00

Inspire Me Thursday...

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Sundays...

2009-03-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Should That Stay or Should That Go...

2009-03-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well it's official...

I am not just a buyer on eBay, I am also a seller. Very exciting. My first item was a magazine I have had stashed away since 1997! Who said hoarding was a bad thing?

Now I am acting like some crazy woman at a garage sale but in my own home. I can not walk past (or dust) objects without scrutinizing and mentally pricing.. "mmm.. 99 cents? Nah, maybe I could lash out and put that up for $5."

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Green Green Grass...

2009-03-10T00:02:00.000-07:00

Chemical this Brother...

Oh the joy! Remember Old Ned and the chemical brother drama? Well I am very pleased to report that the delicate little green patch under the stairs is well on the road to recovery. However now I have an extra weeding job on my list. sigh.

Oh the golf ball?

That is one of The Guard Dogs favorite toys.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Bling Bling...

2009-03-09T00:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday's are alright for parties....

Last weekend I attended De Nephew's sixth birthday. This weekend De Sister invited me to a jewellery party. There were no lolly bags however there was champagne. As you do, I went with the intention of not purchasing anything. Of course, as you do, I walked away with two pieces.

My new love bracelet.

and my new necklace.

I can't hardly wait to add interesting beads to my new collection.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Sundays...

2009-03-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

One Man's Junk...

2009-03-06T01:31:00.000-08:00

Is Another Kris Kringle...

Hello my name is Audrey and my latest addiction is eBay. I know, I know I am very late. But I never did run with the cool kids. I have been busy. Preparing my items to sell. Taking photographs, uploading photographs. Engaging my brain to think of interesting ways to best describe, what is now to me, well junk.

I think eBay is my new face book.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

1983 or 2009

2009-03-05T12:02:00.000-08:00

My bff Y's Brett!

Mrs Poo and her tales of hanging with her posse here. I think the big lesson here is shoe memories last a life time.

My bff is Courtney. More on Courtney another time. To-day a poem. Using only a small aspect of our shoe memories and inspiration from rock of love, of course.

Cute.

a poem for Courtney.

Audrey; OhMyGod! Glitter tights!

Courtney; Cute. There's pink leg warmers. Cute.

Audrey; It's like a giant tower of pink shoes!
Courtney; Yeah. Oh these ones are cute.

(Courtney is mentally packing her suitcase.
Guess? the pink one, dahh.)

Audrey; Oh they have orange ones. To match my singlet.
Courtney; Hot! Pink ones to. They are hot!
(Oh Yeah! I am wearing this pair first time on the bus!)

Audrey; You know, I like the double denim look.
Courtney; Sweet! OhHOT! Ssswweeettt.
(Brett is sooo going to pick me. These boots are Hot!)

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

An Arty Kind of Thursday...

2009-03-05T02:36:00.000-08:00

Inspire Me Thursday can be found here.

This is week two. I know how exciting. ahem.

Week one is here. I'm so loving the linky stuff.

Anyway, for a week now I have pondered moon = art + ??

Then this afternoon whilst walking The Hounds there it was.

And here it is....

Half Moon at Dusk

The first chill of autumn was felt today.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Happy Faces and More Junk Food...

2009-03-04T00:02:00.000-08:00

I Love Kids Parties...

I really do. Usually I look forward to just stuffing self with whatever food is on offer. From fancy bbq to party pies. Count me in. I also like the commercial mega stores type as well. I am a non-judgemental, equal opportunist when it comes to junk food. That is the main reason I go.

I cry on the inside as mother's pack the lolly bags away and say things like. "This will go into the lolly jar." You just know that they will congeal into a colourful sugary mess before being tossed out in some pantry spring clean. sigh.

Are those thoughts like stealing candy from baby? Anyway this one was held at a mega commercial plastic food co-operation. There was wait staff to attend and disperse food stuffs and lolly bags.

This was the good outfit from the commercial eating place.

There were two lolly bag guards for our party. There was a fairy. Fancy hey. And a Girl Sailor. And not like an Annie type girl sailor either. However the junk food flowed, I loved it. There was a play area and the kids loved it. It was a love fest, as birthdays should be.

Square Pants Sponge Bob is big this year.

Or whatever his name is...

The birthday boy loved it, as did I.

I didn't get a lolly bag. I'm okay with that.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

I Need a Bex and a Little Lay Down...

2009-03-03T00:02:00.000-08:00

I Y Ted Mulry but hate Araneae..

From the age of six, at least, I have loved an Australian* Band The Ted Mulry Gang. One of my favorite's of TMG is the timeless classic - Jump In My Car. It tells the ole tail of boy picking up chick by offering her a ride in his car. After playing coy the chick accepts his offer and upon discovering how far he will have to drive to take her home he (politely) says "Get Outta My Car."

My exact words, when I could form words. See I first caught sight of this hitchhiker through my drivers window. My slightly open drivers window. I think the older guy crossing the road wondered if a disabled person hadn't stolen a car. I kinda freaked. Like an '80's Rap Dancer with a left brain aneurysm. aaghhh.

Get outta my car and off my window! Which it did. Then I lost sight of it. Humming Ted and The Gangs tune kept me capable enough to finish the short drive back from the shops. It's catchy. Then I had to make a plan of action and practise my deep breathing. Like at the same time. This has happened before. I can do this.

His legs are in the door jam.. I am almost in the passengers seat.

I mean I am the girl who has no issue with picking up a cockroach with my bare hands. Gee, doesn't that freak my friends out!! hahaha It's like my super power. However I kinda loose it and get jelly legs when I have to deal with hairy, scary spiders! Go Figure.

Just look at the massive thing! Just look at how dirty my car is.

No don't look at that.

So I quickly grabbed my groceries and made a dash for the front door. After taking photographs. It's not lost on me that I managed to get two quick snaps. Jelly legs and all. I'm improving on the spider issue. I didn't even go back to the car with spider spray, like I may or may not have done in the past. Deep Breath.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

*Ted himself hails from England but not unlike Russel Crowe we claim him as an Ozzie.

Crikey There's a Cane Beetle in my Park!

2009-03-02T00:02:00.000-08:00

What's a Critter like you doing in the city?

I am a country girl. I grew up in a very small town with two main industries Fishing and Sugar Cane. A lot of my childhood was spend keeping little black beetles as pets. I would keep one in an empty margarine container with six pieces of grass and a leaf.

Oh that sounds like such a sad childhood, it's not like I only had little black beetles to play with. They were just safer than the Bee I had kept for a short while. Housed in a brick pen with wire on the top and a spoonful of honey.

But I digress.

The little black beetles, to me, have always been known as a Cane Beetle. This would be because of the Sugar Cane fields we lived by, I guess.

I was more than a little surprised last week when I spotted this critter in the city. He aspired memories of long ago summers.

And he's not even a Cane Beetle; he's a...

Black Beetle

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Sundays...

2009-03-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Odd Shots!

2009-02-26T15:21:00.000-08:00

I like to take photographs of well.. weird stuff.

De Vere loves it. Not. He may not do St Valentine's Day; He does do lots of holidays and special treats. So he can be suitably unimpressed when he has taken me on say an overseas holiday and I spend my time taking pictures of.. well weird stuff.

Like discarded Thongs.

Broken Thongs.

The Lost Thong.

De Vere was not amused and a little confused.
He had flown us both to The US of A. Ocean View.
I snap a shot of a lost thong, for my collection.

Old School Ring Pull.

This shot really blew his top! He was beyond confusion. .lol.
Taken at the same scenic Highway 101 stop.
We so seldom see this ring-can pull here anymore.

New Undies.

So I was glad De Vere was not with me to-day when I snapped this shot. A new pair of underwear that had blown off the sales table. Well you have to admit not is not everyday that you see undies laying on the footpath. Then as I point and shoot a woman, cleaning a chalk board, asked me.

"Are they yours?" motioning the undies.

what?

"No." I replied, as I smiled and said, "I just like taking pictures of weird stuff."

Maybe De Vere has a point.

Polly wants a cracker;
With this!

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Love Notes shows He Cares...

2009-02-25T00:02:00.000-08:00

Love is... Letting Her Be Ladette or Lady..

When residing at Boyle Manor the dashing executive, De Vere sometimes vaguely asks about the blog. This blog. To my reply he nods in the correct places all the while backing away, then reminding me of a very important football match that is at kick off and he mustn't miss a moment.

We are married. Being married he understands to enquire about these type of things. Even if it is only during the ad breaks. However as he is currently OS doing his very important executive stuff he has taken the time to actually read the blog. Not only read but also comment.

Okay so he commented through our private e-mail correspondence and usually that is - well private.

Anyway, a small exert;

Just caught an update on the Manor Boyle.
Clearly you have been at your best since I left ......my demure & classy little lady!!!

De Vere is referring to this Ladette post. My first thought was he must not have access to sport coverage. Oh quickly followed by and thanks for reading Honey!

Perhaps I need a refresher course. A little 101. It happens that a dear friend and her daughter are in town. We girls decided to play Ladies. As ladies do, we did lunch. My friends daughter is funny, beautiful and smart. Who better to have a 101 about being a Lady than a four year old girl. Lunch was ordered. My refresher began.

The basis of every outfit

Hot Shoes!

The Handbag.

Design is Important.

Bangles and or Bracelets are a must.
Colour Co-ordinate.

Take Care of Your Skin.

Even if you are sitting under cover.

I like playing Ladies and I am all out of Red Frogs.

Audrey, Lady of the Manor.

Tuesdays with Mrs Poo...

2009-02-24T12:02:00.000-08:00

Tales from The Old Country

Today when I dropped by Mrs Poos home, unannounced as usual. The Hounds in tow. They visit every second visit as dear Mrs Poo insists on feeding them her homemade biscuits. However that's a whole other story. I was delighted to see this photograph resting on her counter top.

Mrs Poo and Her Posse

I enjoy hearing tales from the old country. Having traced my own family tree I have always enjoyed engaging the in-laws in stories of their youth.

Today was a goldmine! A photograph. A beautiful rare photograph. Studying the picture and paying particular attention to the shoes the young ladies are wearing, Mrs Poos in particular. At the very same moment as I asked Mrs Poos words were, "I still remember the shoes I was wearing. They were brown." I sat in wonderment as Mrs Poo recounted the day and the details of the picture.

Mrs Poo and her bff are all eighteen. They are all still in contact despite the fact that all four girls live on three different continents. That is bff. It's Easter Sunday and they are on their way from church to a feast. It is Spring time not hot, not cold. One girl is a dressmaker and has made her own dress for the occasion. They are all wearing stockings.

Two of each girl are the same height, Mrs Poo and I discuss camera angles and agree this must be why the chick with granny ankles looks taller..

Audrey, Lady of the Manor.

Excuse me There's Chunder in my Burp!

2009-02-23T00:02:00.000-08:00

...Forty Eight Hour Single Life Excess...

De Vere left the manor a little over forty eight hours ago. He is taking care of business from the off shore office for three weeks.

I have been like a 4 year old under the care of a really slack baby-sitter. There has been no specified bed time. However there has been some really important T.V. shows to watch. Not to mention the long hours I have indulged myself on the net.

This has lead to two days of Chinese food and cans of cola, chips and a chocolate bar. Two or so chocolate biscuits for breakfast. Oh and Red frogs. Should I go on? No, okay I've had enough to. Well I knew I had when this afternoon I decided to have a beer, just the one you understand. Not an unusual choice just a rare one of late.

You know that first deep relaxing sigh after you knock the top off a stubbie... That burp... Mine had chunder in it. Funny that.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Sundays...

2009-02-22T00:01:00.001-08:00

Just a Stroll in the Park....

2009-02-21T01:34:00.000-08:00

Today started out not unlike any other Saturday here at Boyle Manor. De Vere and Polly the twenty kilo lap dog were up early. The Guard Dog and I enjoyed a sleep-in. It rained.

A little later than usual De Vere and Polly set off on their power walk. TGD has a little knee issue that keeps him from hardcore exercise and someone has to stay home and keep him company. Well that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it.

Keeping with our usual Saturday morning routine we had plans to met up at the end of the pavement pounding for a game of Stick.

Small Dog - Big Stick.

Things were going well and as the rain was holding off De Vere and I decided to extended our meander through the park. This, of course, leads to more park antics.

Like laying in the mud puddles.

However as the saying goes...

It's All Fun and Games Till Someone Looses an Eye.

Well let's not get too dramatic - fortunately no-one lost an eye. However TGD was attacked by a German Shepard!! The Guard Dog is a (well fed) Chihuahua Pomeranian cross and up against a large bred dog he was a little out of his weight class.

In the six years we have had TGD in our world never, never, ever have we had the experience of a dog fight. Not that this was exactly a fight - that would involve the two parties engaging. TGD didn't stand a chance he was blindsided.
The attacker came bolting toward us without warning. He took to TGD like a Lion to a wounded Gazelle. All thoughts of the dos and don'ts of dog attacks ran through my mind however I still lunged for the beast as he overpowered TGD.

Here is where I start to have some real issues with the incident. I grabbed at the dog at his neck - no collar. I looked up to see where his owner was and sighted in the distance a man walking s l o w l y towards us. In his right hand was a lead with collar attached! Had the dog been wearing his collar I may had a chance to hold the dog off TGD. Added to this the man continued towards us asking his dog to stop. Ummm...?? I'll just continue here - I have no words.

I managed to grab the dog but to no avail, he slipped away to continue his attack. After much shouting and grabbing and kicking The Guard Dog and Polly both managed to slip away to hide behind a tree. Meanwhile De Vere has found a large pointy stick and is advising the guy to control his dog before he stabs it!! (oh dear possible law suit - I think I will leave out any further comments De Vere may or may not have made)

So here is the injury sustained by TGD. Luckily Polly managed to come away unscathed, well not bleeding as both dogs were quite shaken by the whole episode. Not to mention De Vere and myself.

Have you ever heard a Banshee using potty mouth? No, neither had I until I realised the screeching with swearing was actually moi. I managed to find a normal tone to ask the man for his details. He questioned me as to why I would want them! Then that screechy sound came back - I got his details.

The rest of the morning was filled with phone calls to the Police, the Ranger and a vet visit. The Ranger made a home visit. The Vet graciously offered the bill at half price - $125. Thanks for coming! The Vet also advised that the injury could have been worse if not for that thick coat of TGD's.

Poor little TGD has had two injections and we have been sent home with two lots of tablets to be taken over the next ten days.

The Guard Dog was put to bed wrapped in his mummy's old dressing gown and his favorite dolly's... awww.

To Be Continued.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Old Ned is a Chemical Brother...

2009-02-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

This has to be some form of Garden Terrorism. Under the stairs that lead from the deck to the backyard I had a lovely patch of ground cover.

My four year studies in agriculture do not lend itself to identifying the Latin name or the ordinary garden variety term for that matter. Needless to say the delicate green ground cover kept the wayward grass and weeds at bay. That was until Old Ned came and preformed a little maintenance.

The now barren obis under the stairs...

Notice that the only thing to survive is grass.

This was not an issue before the attack of

Old Ned and his chemical spray!

Every day as I tend to the worm farm I also tend to the barren ground.
Slowly the delicate green ground cover is reclaiming the space.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

An Arty Kind of Thursday...

2009-02-19T19:33:00.000-08:00

As I have already mentioned here I have voyeuristically browsed blogs for sometime now. With actually having my own now I can comment and participate in all the fun!

So with that comes my first linky link post!

See here for the inspiration.. Let's hope I don't fail miserably.

This is a very old perfume box, it was my Nanna's.

I wondered what Silver I would find to inspire me??

The box just kinda jumped out at me....

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

The Other Woman...

2009-02-18T15:12:00.001-08:00

I am a great believer in Believe and Achieve.. De Vere has long held a childhood dream of owing a sports car. A few years back he was able to realise that dream..

However I think blowing kisses as he lowers

the garage door is taking it all just a little too far!

Jealous? Who? Me...

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

What's The Date???

2009-02-17T20:54:00.000-08:00

Should I be concerned?

Or did I purchase eggs that will never date??

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

T-Bone Mrs Poo Style...

2009-02-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Mrs Poo is not always around to cook our dinner, sadly. So using her cooking tips I lovingly prepare De Vere's nightly meal. Tonight was T-Bone steak and four vegetables.

Boyle Manor T-Bone.

Take a nice big T-Bone.

sprinkle with salt,

then pepper, ground of course.

Here I add Mrs Poos Special Seasoning,

rubbing it into the meat.

This is Mrs Poos Special Seasoning.

Her 'recipe' is top secret - she mixes this from a collection of

spices and delivers a jar.

The contents are unknown even to myself.

Though I can tell you, from taste, cinnamon and nutmeg are involved.

Taking a tip from Mrs Poo I crumb the T-Bone.

Instead of using bread crumbs, I use Wheat Germ.

Then shallow fry the steak, to taste.

Tonight's accompaniment is good old mashed potato..

and peas, corn and carrots...

Audrey, Lady of the Manor.

Sundays...

2009-02-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Mrs Poo's Fish Lunch...

2009-02-14T23:30:00.000-08:00

Another Saturday another Fish Dish with Mrs Poo. De Vere does so like his fish. Here Mrs Poo has used fresh Whiting fillets. As always, Mrs Poo serves this dish with a simple garden salad.

...Boyle Manor Whiting..

Take fresh fish fillets

Just as she did in the old country Mrs Poo uses wax
paper to hold her flour.

Then she lightly flours the fillets.

and shallow fries them till golden.
The outside is crisp and the flesh is moist and tender.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Valentines Day.. Can ya feel the love..??

2009-02-14T00:02:00.000-08:00

Today is Valentines day. Here at Boyle Manor there has been no special delivery or breakfast in bed... Not even a mention of the occasion.

Here's why...

Many moons ago De Vere and Audrey set out to celebrate their very first Valentines Day.

Audrey had won tickets to a (very bad) Nicole Kidman movie insert title here. (take a guess.. any one you name will fit the profile - okay so I am not a fan)

Anyways, De Vere and Audrey met up in the city and proceeded to take their seats in the cinema.

Fifteen minutes into the movie De Vere leads over and whispers.."Lets go this is crap.." or word to that effect. Perhaps he is not a huge fan either. Audrey refused to go. Well, one it was the first time she had bothered to enter a completion and had actually won (along with the 500 others) and second if she starts something she likes to see it through. Perhaps she held out hope that it would get better. It didn't. Oh and the dinner reservation was rescheduled for after the movie - so we may as well suffer through it.

Things I guess were already not going so well.. lol.

They made it through the movie and drove a little out of the city for what would be their very first Valentines Day dinner.. De Vere had chosen a seafood restaurant and keeping with tradition (IE: the commercialism of calendered events like this... spend spend spend ) they ordered lobster.

A whole, lobster for De Vere and a half for Audrey. At this stage please let me remind you we are now looking at a 10PM serving time.. Very Late to eat.. Well that's half Audrey's excuse and shes sticking with it.

The meals arrive. For some unknown reason Audrey decided to sample the mashed potato on the side of the plate.. There was her second mistake. For it was not mashed potato but DEB WHIP.. A powered excuse - just add water type of mashed potato.. YUK. Audrey very much dislikes plastic food. So being the uptight mid twenty something that she was, at the time, she refused to eat anything else. The taste of the plastic potato mash had ruined her taste buds...

Poor old De Vere, not wanting to let his hard earned cash go to waste, then had to eat not only his own whole lobster but Audrey's half as well!

At that point De Vere turned to Audrey and stated, "I am never taking you out for anything special for valentines day again."

De Vere is a man of his word. To this day Audrey has not had the pleasure of a single rose or a whole bunch for that matter or a dinner out for Valentines Day again.

Happy Valentines just the same.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Graffitti Artist...

2009-02-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

The Guard Dog recently celebrated his sixth birthday. He has been a constant companion. He is funny and affectionate. Just imagine if he was like Pinocchio and turned into a real live boy.... I think I would have a troublesome teenager on my hands. It might just be a little something like this...

absolutely no respect for authority...

I do hope he is not responsible for this...

This is mindless scribble, not art.

Mindless Marking.

More Mindless Marking..

and still more mindless marking...

Ah-uh.. At the scene of the crime???

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Edward Scissor Hands....

2009-02-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

De Vere purchased Boyle Manor almost one year ago. Audrey was most pleased to discover a Hydrangea in the garden. This evokes beautiful childhood memories of Grandmother's beautiful blue specimen.

Lets take a peek at Boyle Manor's Hydrangea.

Early Spring.

The first sight of the darling buds.

Audrey eagerly awaited the first blossoms.

Oh! Might they be blue?

I Y Blue!

In Horticultural speak Acidic soil produces blue blooms.

Perhaps the soil at Boyle Manor is Acidic.

beautiful blue blooms....

However almost overnight the blue blooms turned mauve.

Perhaps the soil is not as acidic as one first thought.

Still beautiful, however I may have to start watering

the garden with caustic soda,

just to get the soil a little more acidic.

In full bloom.

Then the full intensity of summer came..

Between the excessively hot days followed by a

few days of continuous rain the

beautiful blooms seemed to rust...

With Old Ned away De Vere himself took to caring for the grounds.

With secateurs in hand De Vere turns into some sort of

"Edward Scissor Hands on Ecstasy"

Perhaps no blooms for the next season..

Audrey, Lady of the Manor.

Our Daily Bread...

2009-02-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Mrs Poo graciously invites De Vere and I to her home for dinner once a week. We graciously accept. As a small token of appreciation I drop by our favorite bakery and take a loaf of something special for the table. The range at the store is varied so each week I expand our bread tasting experience.

The beautiful range of breads at our local Asian Market Place

Tonight we will dine with the accompaniment

of this beautiful Sour Dough Loaf.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof...

2009-02-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

There is another resident here at Boyle Manor a funny little fellow who is loving and demanding all at the same time.. Why he is a cat, of course.

Meet Puss of Boyle Manor.

Puss looks a little possessed in this picture however wouldn't you, if you unexpectedly found yourself....

on a hot tin roof?

Puss came to us only recently.
He is a rescue cat and had been living in a small
unit before coming to reside at Boyle Manor.
Puss has taken to his new surroundings very well.
In fact he is rarely inside.

It is almost impossible to take a picture of Puss as you find him.
For as soon as he spots me, camera in hand,
he walks toward me. So I am afraid it's a case of snap
and hope I have managed to get him in shot.

Exibit A. This is one of my favourites.

and this one I just find amusing.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Miss Polly...

2009-02-09T04:11:00.000-08:00

Here at Boyle Manor we have two hounds. The Guard Dog and Polly the twenty kilo lap dog. Here are some shots of Polly doing some of her favourite things.

Polly has her ballerina shoes on all of the time.

She sometimes comes inside with a dirt caked nose.

This is usually the result of either burying a bone or

to retrieve the half rotten thing to snack on.

Though Polly loves to dig she is not in the habit

of digging holes as bad behaviour.

Soft sand on the other hand is a given.

she loves to chase after, retrieve and chew sticks.

and she loves a run in the park,
even if she is not at peak fitness level!

Or just hang in the backyard.
Polly knew her photograph was being taken,
she posed. I do hope I captured her good side.

she loves to sleep on the lounge..

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Sundays...

2009-02-08T00:01:00.001-08:00

Sandra the Sour Dough...

2009-02-07T02:50:00.000-08:00

Back in November 2007 De Vere and I travelled to The United States of America. We landed in San Francisco. While there we very much enjoyed the famous Sour Dough. So much so that I purchased a Sour Dough Starter pack.

Recently I started my Sour Dough Mother Sponge and in keeping with Sour Dough tradition.. I call her Sandra...

Here is the line up of ingredients.

I chose bread mix over bread flour,

not sure why I think I was running with a bread theme.

add dry and wet ingredients and mix.

leave the batter to ferment.

oohh the bubbly goodness of bacteria.

You can then store your Mother Sponge in the

fridge using as required.

De Vere is still waiting to taste test the finished result.

I will get back to you on that.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Tea for Two...

2009-02-06T04:32:00.000-08:00

With De Vere's very important and stressful employment he often travels overseas. When he returns my gift is not jewellery or perfume.. He likes to bring me Green Tea. There are a few reasons for this.

I really love tea, particularly Green Tea. I often consume 14 cups of green tea each day. Can't help myself.

De Vere avoids jewellery purchases, at least by himself. I don't understand why as to date he has done very well in that department.

Another reason why De Vere chooses Tea over jewellery or Eu de Toilette is just that.. Too much choice between Perfume, Eau da Perfume, Cologne, Eu de Toilette. With the green tea choice he knows he is on a winner.

Today Mrs Poo and I shared a lovely cup or two.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Who Loves a Sleep-In?

2009-02-05T20:24:00.000-08:00

As a rare treat The Hounds occasionally are allowed to have a little sleep-in..
In the big bed, as apposed to the lounge suite. This usually coordinates with wash day for the sheets, it's a De Vere thing!

What is TGD doing??

Well actually I think he has a little addiction to the

smell of my hair, well maybe not my hair per say, more my shampoo.

Here he is scratching at my pillow..

then rolling around while rubbing his back

and making a kind of snorting sound.

It's a talent, what can I say.

mwmmwwmmmwwwww....

big stretch

and finally, with a loud sigh, TGD can relax and enjoy a little R & R.

Meanwhile Polly the 20 kilo lap dog has laid very still at the end of the bed.

More than likely hoping to be forgotten about for a few hours.

Well you know what sleeping on the lounge does to your back.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Fish Chips and Salata...

2009-02-04T21:37:00.000-08:00

De Vere loves fish and Mrs Poo loves to prepare fish for De Vere. After a long week trudging into the office for De Vere, Saturdays are a day of lunching here at Boyle Manor. With fish often on the menu. Here is a recent fish lunch lovingly prepared by Mrs Poo.

after a light dust in plain flour Mrs Poo fries the fillets

till they are golden brown
the outside is crisp and the flesh is moist and tender

fish - chips and salad

hand peeled potatoes, blanched and deep fried.

Real Potato Chips!

Mrs Poo is a great cook and she has a great talent for turning

a simple salata into something special.

This salata consists of;

snow peas - fresh from the garden

cabbage, carrots and of course

Mrs Poos Salata Staples

onions, feta cheese, salt, olive oil and

lets not forget fresh herbs and dried oregano.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Just Keep Swimming...

2009-02-04T15:54:00.000-08:00

Waiter! There's a Cricket in my water!!

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Sticky Little Flowers...

2009-02-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

The Guard Dog was having a difficult time dealing with the hazards of the yard.

Here is the beautiful hedge/vine (?) that covers the side fence

here at Boyle Manor.

Here is the difficulty TGD was experiencing.

the dropped flowers stuck to him like Velcro!

Sticky little Suckers..

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Nice n Easy...

2009-02-03T19:32:00.000-08:00

This little dish is a real winner. It's quick, light and easy!

Here I have used the usual line up of herbs however chili is a nice alternative.

Chicken Wings Boyle Manor Style...

season with oregano, salt and pepper.

drizzle with olive oil.

cook wings under the grill.
for some reason I always cook the inside of the wings first.

then turn them over and grill the top side

mmm...

Just like Roast Chicken, only faster and everyone gets a wing or four.
Don't forget a squeeze lemon juice over the cooked wings.. yum!

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Old Ned and The Twig

2009-02-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Old Ned he is a wonderful fellow.

We had a small problem with the front door of the Manor so Old Ned was called to fix it.

he unscrewed

He chiseled.

and chiseled.

Then he realised that he needed to fill a small hole in the timber frame.

There was only one 'issue' - he didn't have any product to fill the gap.

Never mind, Old Ned is not old for nothing.

He simply took a small twig from a tree and whittled it to size.
Then hammered it in.

Door 'issue' resolved.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor

Can-O-Worms

2009-02-02T18:07:00.000-08:00

Here at Boyle Manor we are endeavoring to Go Green and one of the first steps we took was to purchase a Worm Farm.

Or a Can-O-Worms.

Can-O-Worms may be either order online and delivered direct or
you can do as De Vere and I did and lug it home from the store yourself.

assemble the 'worm house'

This is a package of coconut husks that is
used as a starter for your worm bedding

soak the bedding

until it has broken down and absorbed the water

it ends up looking like a big bucket of sloppy cow poo

only without the smell!

The Worms! Yes, you buy them in a box!

oh dear, looks like our worms spent a little too long on the shelf

however they managed to live boxed up on a shelf at the store

after laying out the coconut bedding,

simply add the starter pack of worms

cover with newspaper and cardboard to keep the moisture in

Voila! High Density Worm Living,

at Boyle Manor.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor

Sundays...

2009-02-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Audrey's Quick Chicken Dinners

2009-01-30T21:11:00.000-08:00

De Vere had a very close friend drop by during the week. Dinner was to be something filling and easy. Also Loco, our visitor, is hands on within the 'cooking' industry. No Pressure!

So I went with a golden oldie... Audrey's chicken Burgers..

Enjoy, Loco and De Vere did.

pesto-mayo and chili-mayo...

simply add pesto or chili to mayo. stir and spread. yum.

Loco loves chili. De Vere not so much.

So here is the beginnings of Loco's chili-mayo on a fresh roll.

crumbed and shallow fried chicken thigh fillets.

washed lettuce

De Vere's pesto-mayo Spread over fresh bread roll

De Vere did comment that cook may have been a little

heavy handed with the condiment.. mmm... I must agree.

pesto-mayo and lettuce.. spots and all..

add chicken thigh fillet and cheese slices. Here I have used Swiss.

ready to serve..

I like to use the fancy chook napkins anytime and they are extra thick for the burger to be served as is.. saves on housework - allows for garden wondering whilst eating or eating in East Wing.

leftovers to go... Loco was bid a good night and sent home with a burger that used all of the leftovers. Leaving Dolly Dustpan's cleaning to a minium. Oh and some cherry tomatoes from Boyle Manor garden.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Short Summer Breaks

2009-01-30T06:09:00.000-08:00

De Vere decided to leave the office for a short summer break. The excutive job has kept him at the office in town for the whole summer. With our yearly trip scheduled for the last half of the thrid quater (see in 'excutive speak' for March) this was an unexpected surprise. A very welcomed unexpected surprise.

Deciding that slogging 45 minutes, one way, through city traffic for an hour or so of beach time just didn't stack up we ventured a little further north of the city. Extending our trip to include a few great meals and a sleep over at Dr Yak's.

More on Dr Yak another time. In the meantime here is a snap shot of The Hounds enjoyig their first outing, to the beach, of 2009.

not a soul around....

the colours are amazing

The Hounds very excited

ah, maybe not..

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Meet the Posse of Boyle Manor...

2009-01-30T04:05:00.000-08:00

Well now would be as good as any to meet the cast that is To The Manor Boyle.

There is the Laird - De Vere a dashing executive who has a very important executive job in the city. He wears a business suit and tie and carries ....no, not a briefcase... a small nap sack with a large soft drink logo. He is a rebel.

There is The Lady - Audrey.

There is Old Ned he is our Greens-Keeper slash Handyman. Delightful fellow.

There is Mrs Polouvicka or Mrs Poo for short. The dear Mrs Poo keeps our chiller full with wonderful dishes from the old country.

There is of course The Hounds. 4 year old Polly, weighing in at a remarkable twenty kilos, not bad for a lap dog... well she thinks that is what is to be her role in life. Then there is The pint sized Guard Dog or TGD.

What manor home would not be complete without a butler? Here at Boyle Manor we have, Dolly Dustpan, the butler. Poor old sod gets lumbered with all the normal Butler-ly duties that come with the five star living that is Boyle Manor.

Audrey, Lady of Boyle Manor.

Cooking with Mrs Poo - fasolakia

2009-01-27T04:49:00.000-08:00

Mrs Poo whipped up a little something from the old country last week. It's not, you understand, that Mrs Poo has concerns that I am not looking after De Vere well enough, not at all.

Fasolakia is one of De Vere's favorites.

Mrs Poo finds it difficult to cook dinner for two so De Vere and I enjoyed beans with every meal for days. Even The Hounds enjoyed a side of fasolakia with their nightly meal. On that note please be advised that Mrs Poos' ingredient measurements are sketchy at best.

So with compliments from Mrs Poo it's;

...Boyle Manor Fasolakia...

String the beans and cut in halves

(or "remove the nerves" as Mrs Poo advises)

rinse and set the beans aside to drain.

using this much oil and this much onion

(Mrs Poo gives detailed instructions...)

lightly fry the onions in oil, till they look like this

add beans to hot Casserolle' of oil and onions mix beans through

add Special Seasonings and extra vegetables if desired.

Mrs Poo had green capsicum on hand this day.

Oh and that Special Seasonings of Mrs Poo?

Mrs Poo has a lifetime supply

(this belongs in the Continental Containers Museum)

add a glass of water, return lid and steam beans on a low heat

meanwhile deseed and crush a tomato or two

add crushed deseeded tomato and a little more water is needed

add more Special Seasonings to taste

water down Tomato Paste

add to the beans and cook at a slow simmer for another ten minutes

Fasolakia!

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.

Sundays...

2009-01-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

Long Time Reader First Time Blogger

2009-01-24T03:04:00.000-08:00

Welcome to To The Manor Boyle our humble abode, Boyle Manor, as viewed at Blogger.

With The West Wing, The East Wing for that matter, Domestic Help and Grounds Keep one certainly has oneself a busy time of it.

Having spent many years somewhat voyeuristically on the sidelines here is a slice of Boyle Manor life.

Audrey, Lady of The Manor.