Stinky Hot Weather and Shopping ....

Got my test results back from seeing the specialists - been poked, prodded, examined and photographed ... lol.

Wasn't the good news I was hoping for but I guess it could have been much worse.  Can't do much about the results just have to deal with it and move on.

The weather is warming up early this year. Its 4:30 in the afternoon and it's 30c (86f)!  Going to get hotter over the next week with Monday predicted to be 36c (97f).  I hate the heat. If this is what it's like in early Spring I'd to think what Summer will be like.

According to one of our chief meteorologists we can expect heatwaves, bushfires, droughts and thunderstorms because the El Nino developing looks to be the strongest on record.

The latest severe weather outlook from Sky Weather, released yesterday, shows the 2015 El Nino, a global climate pattern, is already the strongest of its kind in 17 years.

Took a trip to the new IKEA. 

We have a Business Park that's being developed 10minutes drive from my house.

As well as my favourite store - Bunnings they have opened IKEA. I've waited a little for the initial crowds to die down so went yesterday. Wandered through the Marketplace section and bought a few things. Let's face it anyone who can resist buying at least one item in IKEA deserves a medal ... lol.

Later this year Lindt chocolates are opening their main Australia factory/office and they intend to have a factory outlet shop - guess who will be on the doorstep when that opens.... bwahahaha.

Costco, Aldi, Maccas, HomeHub and Masters are also either now open or will be in the next 12 months. I was impressed that IKEA has covered their roof in solar panels generating electricity for the entire shop.

Norman Lindsay ....

It never rains - it pours.

Got a week of tests from the 28th - not what I was looking forward to doing but I guess when life throws you a curve ball you have to try and catch it. I had planned a completely different week that didn't involve being poked and prodded!

Still it's probably better than later on. This year I've had my grandson for a week during each of the school holidays but his mum mentioned he would most probably be away this coming holiday so wouldn't be able to come and stay. At least I can hopefully get these tests all sorted before the Xmas hols when I hope he can come for a week or so.

Caught up with some old friends and met some new ones on Saturday. Had a delightful day at the Norman Lindsay Gallery at Faulconbridge in the Blue Mountains.  I got there early and wandered through the gardens and gallery. Did some sketching and took a few photos then met my friends for a leisurely lunch about 11.30.  Didn't leave until close to 5.

Lunch was delicious. I had a delightful Goats Cheese, Semi Dried Tomato, Caramelised Onion and Basil Tart served with a Parmesan Salad and then indulged in another tart – lemon and lime curd tart served with Coconut and Kaffir lime Sorbet.

We sat outside under the trees and listened to the birds. We even watch a fat blue tongue lizard wander across the pavers and stairs to settle in amongst the shrubs.

I have always admired Lindsay's work especially his watercolours. I absolutely adore his female nudes always so lush and voluptuous!

Of course his statues, etchings and oils totally amazing too.  Such a prolific artist.

I was home by 5.45 - nice to have such a wonderful place so close to home.