Mother's Day WA style

Simon suggested that we go to yum cha for Mother's day. Having been somewhat dumpling deprived living in country New South Wales for the last 13 (!) years, I leapt at the chance. A work colleague of S invited us as his family's guests and suggested New Moon in Northbridge.

There was already quite a crowd when we got there, so our host took a number and shooed us away to have a look around. We went to the state library children's area (it has a gate) which had lots of books and groovy furniture and no one telling us to shoosh. We soon got called back and got some annoyed looks as we sauntered past all the hungry people queuing and took our seats. Soon our table was full of baskets and plates full of food. Jack got stuck right in whereas Sam nibbled on a few things unadventurously before ordering the most lurid dessert he could see. Our host was delighted, even when most of it got swooshed around and not consumed. Sucking sago and jelly through a straw is really hard work.

Afterwards Ratty Sam headed home for a nap with S and Jack and I went exploring. We found some great shops and then had a look in the Art Gallery where I saw a beautiful Margaret Preston Painting and this very interesting work by David Shrigley. I believe it's called Stick.

Pontoon

When I was younger and living in Sydney, I was petrified of sharks. Some of this I can blame on Peter Benchley (surely Jaws caused a whole generation of beachgoers to be absolutely petrified of sharks). Maybe part of my phobia was due to visits to the Manly aquarium where the watchful eyes of the grey nurses freaked me out. Little did I know how gentle these creatures actually are. S assures me that if you can get under the water and see sharks they will no longer terrify you (hmmm) and that most attacks are a case of mistaken identity. He would say that though as he was known to get quite close to them when he was diving.
I am aware that I don't want to pass this phobia onto the boys so when we moved here and Simon told me about the pontoon at South beach and how you can swim out then dive off and swim back to shore, I thought that I should have a go. Unfortunately I got about halfway and my brain said no. Crystal clear water, no sharks in sight but I was not able to do it. And now of course it's autumn (though most days you can't tell) and the pontoon has disappeared until Summer. Time enough to psyche myself up to the task or give it up for good.

Happy Easter!

Great expectations

Before we moved Jack did a little research on Perth. This is what he came up with. I particularly like the beach volleyball for victims of shark attacks.

Festivals galore

It seems like there are a lot of festivals here. Film festivals, food festivals, street art, music, heritage. It makes for a busy life. There's a street art festival on at the moment and there are lots of buskers, musicians and performers popping up everywhere.
Jack and I found these naughty gulls this afternoon before we went to see a band called Winterbourne play in the courtyard of the fremantle arts centre.

Bread withdrawal

I was nervous about transporting my starter interstate. So much so that I divided it up so I could carry some in my suitcase and my carry on. Not one security guard batted an eyelid, but then I bet they see some crazy stuff.
So the starters were alive.I have two but sadly they don't have names (a and b doesn't count). I just can't seem to name them like a child or pet, even though that's kind of what they are.
I fed them put them in the fridge and waited.Our first temporary house had a wood fired oven but no scales. I started getting twitchy. Even though there was a great bakery just around the corner, I yearned to do some baking. Last Thursday we moved up the hill away from the bakery and the beach into a place with scales, albeit basic ones. I had considered packing my scales in my suitcase, but I thought that might cause problems what with the starter and container of flour. This anxiety may have stemmed from a recent viewing of a movie called The Mule.
So I finally baked some loaves. Not perfect but enough to scratch that particular itch for the time being.

Sharing

Sam is not good at sharing. Let's just say it's a work in progress. Which is why we were surprised when he shared his brand new bucket and spade with a girl at the beach. I think he was surprised too. Then she left and Jack wanted to share. Not a chance. Sigh.