Fifty.

Somebody told me today that 50 is the new 40. Well if that's the case I have turned 40 today!

I actually disagreed with him and suggested that 50 is the new 30...however, I think I'm pushing my luck on that one seeing as some mornings I'm convinced that 50 is the new 60!!

Anyway, after I raised my 50 year old head off the pillow this morning my husband and youngest son presented me with this....

A new wiz bang Canon digital SLR (and that's all I know about it) camera!! I was thrilled as I'm keen to improve my photographic skills and this should do it for me...if I can learn how to work it that is...Hubby has been charged with reading the instruction book from cover to cover so that he can 'give it to me in a nutshell'! No seriously, I'm considering doing a short photography course as I will undoubtedly  need lots of help. So stay tuned my blogs are going to blow your mind...any day soon...



I've already blown out my candle, via skype. My silly sister (you know the one that's frightened of sheep) set up a table at her place in Melbourne with a cake, a candle and glasses of champas to toast. She then made me blow out the candle, and although my husband thinks I'm full of a lot of hot air...I did actually need some help achieving that, through the computer screen. Luckily she spat blew all over the cake and managed to put it out for me!

I also had my daughter on the phone, so we were all having a very disconnected three way conversation...very much like being at home really... and as we were all talking over each other to each other....

....my husband walked through the door with a huge parcel. Along with my son, the three of them had sent my pressie to Paul, earlier in the week, so it could be plonked on my lap as we spoke.

And it was full of surprises...from my favourite shop in Melbourne.

Wrapped beautifully (by my girlfriend in Melbourne) with old french tape, metal numbers and topped with a page from a french architectural book...

was an old french ledger..

with tiny perfect numbers and script...

these calico sacks...

and a roll of french tickets and french labels...

But there was more...a beautiful monogrammed french sheet and a pair of cushions made from old damask (something that Cote Provence does really well)....

Of course the minute hubby took off to work I couldn't wait to play...and dress the bed...

Look at the monogram...'P & R' for Paul and Robynne!

An old pair of monogrammed pillowcases that I purchased in Melbourne, years ago, finally found a home...

So I can sell you a french ticket and you can take a number if you want to see my lovely new bedding.

Now all I need is an antique french bed....a new bedside table for hubby's side....