Day Trip

I keep seeing signs that it really is Summer. Even if it often hasn’t felt like it.

Last Monday (part of the reason I missed a post) I went on a day trip up the Blue Mountains to see a dear friend of mine and have a good ol’ natter and a catch-up! The train trip is not short, as some of you will remember.

But I made the most of it. Then we hit up some of our favourite shops, drank coffee, and spent money.

For those not in the know. Last Monday up the hills, also looked like this.

That white stuff on the road, that’s hail.

And see this drain?

Well, then it rained enough that you didn’t see it anymore.

It was certainly an adventure!

But as always when I go up there, there were birds.

And this guy is the reason for the state of the railing!

Yes! You!

Sometimes I miss living up there. Sometimes I don’t. But that’s a whole other post

Fabric Extravaganza!

I’m a naughty blogger. I may have been a little slack on the posting last week, owing to the day job being very hectic. But I’m catching up! And here is the fabric I bought that was mentioned in the last post.

Alice

Very Hungry Caterpillar

More gnomes

Goldfish

Japanese Goldfish

I’m fairly sure this will go with goldfish …

And this final one fed into my current fascination with antique maps!

It’s receiving an embroidery embellishment now before I make it into a book slip cover.

More on Monday! I promise!

Neighbourhood walks

It’s a beautiful day in my neighbourhood!

Oh my! Where have we ended up?!

A patchwork fabric shop you say?

I may have finally realised that I could goggle “patchwork fabric Sydney” and discovered two of the best and most amazing shops are in walking distance of our house. I may have asked Himself if he wanted to go on an adventure. I may have walked away with quite the stash of new and exciting fabrics … But I’ll leave those for another post!

One of the things I love about where we live is the diversity of the street art. This piece has been moving me for quite some time when I see it on my walks, and today I had the time to photograph it and share it with you.

We tried out a new café. One again it was one which I had been wanting to try for some time, and today it was not only open but we managed to walk in at a point where we could have eaten from the breakfast or lunch menus! (handy!)

I ended up with roasted field mushrooms, with sautéed spinach, Persian fetta, dukkah, on toasted olive bread…

And Himself went nuts and had the French Toast, with grilled banana, bacon, and maple syrup!

I can’t walk past the local nursery without going in and having a quick wander and a browse of all the plants that are flowering.

It made me wonder if hanging my plants would protect them from wayward kitties who like to eat my beautiful plants and then barf everywhere! (*looks at Oscar*)

Just so you’re aware, we made it into two more fabric shops before heading home. But I’ll spare you those details and instead share with you one last piece of local street art.

I know they’re fighting each other. But did you notice that they’re watching you?

*grins*

When was the last time you walked around your neighbourhood?

The Quiet Weekend

I’m sorry I skipped last week my faithful readers. There just hasn’t been much noteworthy going on to report.

This past weekend was a quiet one. There was some cleaning up done around the house, and I finally catalogued most of my yarn stash on Ravelry.

We had some friends turn up to help us move some furniture which doesn’t really make for interesting blogging or photography.

We did go down to one of our local cafes for breakfast on Sunday though. In our little corner of little Italy, it’s a French café. Who’d have thought?

There were ristretto and orange juice each,

followed by a mushroom and pesto frittata for myself, and a ham and cheese omelette for himself.

All in all a lovely way to spend a few hours soaking up some sunshine and reading. I’d recommend it to anyone! ☺

A last Wildlife Adventure for a little while

With our Annual Pass at its expiry date we packed up our bags and headed off for one last jaunt with the animals.

We were reminded why you need to be careful when hiking through the Australian bush.

We cracked jokes about Drop Bears, loudly, for the tourists’ benefit.

These guys were playing near the water as it was a warm day out!

According to the sign, this fella is the world’s deadliest bird. He also took issue with the nice man who was trying to clean his glass. Poor man *shakes head*

This half of the emblem could have been a taxidermy specimen! I swear he was moving around on the day! (Boing! Boing! Boing!)

And I’ll never forget having an emu steal my cheese sandwich when I was a child. Damn emu! *shakes fist*

Some types will ever be prone to playing up to the paparazzi.

And as we bid a fond farewell, we noticed Rex was enjoying some sun. One would almost swear he was waiting for someone, or something, to fall in.

Yes, you.

Yep. He’s awake alright! Just waiting for one small slip up!

This amuses me!

Someone around here …

REALLY likes Daniel Craig!

Of Dinner Parties

First there must be the perfect Vinegar.

Then the perfect Olive Oil.

Combine with an Almond Dukkah.

And fresh baked Turkish bread! This is to begin.

In a jug combine red wine, lemonade, sugar, cointreau, an orange, a lemon, an apple, and an unpictured ruby grapefruit. Voila! Sangria! (Should that be Olé?)

All of this,

Some of these,

and chopping …

and then get so involved in conversation with your guests that you don’t manage to get photos of either the finished paella, nor the chocolate coated strawberries that were for desert!

Blogging fail = Dinner Party WIN!

I’ll do better next time!

Centrepoint Tower

With our Annual Passes fast running out, we thought we’d best make use of one of the venues while it’s free.

So last Thursday on a slightly over cast day, we headed on up to what is now the Sydney tower, but in my heart will always be Centrepoint.

On a clear day you’re meant to be able to see to Ayres Rock (with assistance). This was not a clear day.

North – Harbour Bridge and beyond that, the family.

West – Darling Harbour (and though not visible, our house!)

South – I work in that jungle …

East – Watsons Bay makes the best fish and chips! Slightly out of shot: New Zealand.

Back a bit, and in a bit to: Kings Cross (Coke sign to the left) and Taylor Square (below the SCG to the right).

A tourist gimmick!

Damn I love this city ☺

The Unwanted Guest

Breaking Routine

Going away for a week can really make you feel better about the world. You know?

In a city that won’t soon forget the last year and a half,

we sat and had coffee next to this little guy after experiencing a 5.8, and then an hour later a 6.0.

For giftmas we were safe, and had family around us. Highlight of my day was holding the 4month old and being the only one who could get him to go to sleep.

By Boxing Day we were on roads surrounded by rolling hills,

dotted with sheep and flowers.

Our aim was for a small French village.

Which we found.

I started a new circular shawl,

we went out on the boat,

there was a dolphin hunt,

fresh blue cod for lunch,

and perfect sunsets.

I hope your holidays are full of family and fun, and that the coming year is easier than the last one.

Happy New Years Eve everyone!