Reflections

As we come to the end of another year (and another decade too), it inevitably becomes a time of reflection. I find myself thinking about what we were doing 10 years ago and then think about how old we will be in 10 years to come and that life is passing us by way too quickly! Like many we've certainly had challenges along the way but we have so much to be thankful for. We are in the midst of more hot weather so we tend to hibernate inside in air-conditioned comfort...something we are very thankful for. These hot days the birds have been splashing in the bird bath making a lovely mess of the mirror but the reflections still intrigue even in the evenings where inside reflects out......

Each morning we wake to possum mess and more mess left by the birds scratching in the garden. This time I caught one of the culprits....a spotted dove. They are a gentle bird with such lovely spotted plumage but they do leave a mess including copious amounts of poo on the fence! But having no dog or cat means we welcome them in our little yard. On the link I read they were introduced to South Australia from China and SE Asia in 1880 - not a good idea really as they threatened native species but now they are facing extinction themselves......

So another Christmas has passed us by. Having a small family meant it was very quiet but the week leading up to it was fun. This year Wade was of the age where it was all rather exciting and for some reason he became obsessed with snowmen! There is a wonderful light display in a nearby street but with daylight saving little people can't enjoy it as it isn't dark until well after 8.30 at night. So instead we visited during the day and found some snowmen for him........ 

 More fun at the shops and he looks a natural driving.......

 Here in Adelaide we have many icons one being the Frog cake. Even Wikipedia tells us they are from South Australia and dating back to 1922! So we introduced Wade to a mini version and I think he approved!!......

 Christmas Day was at Beau and Maisie's place where we shared a delicious brunch of eggs, bacon and croissants cooked by Brett. I decided to try making a wreath I had seen in a magazine - not quite like the magazine version but delicious none the less with ham circles, bocconcini, cherry tomatoes and basil. The pavlova platter was delicious too and so easy to whip up with strawberries, raspberries, cherries, passionfruit pulp, meringues and whipped cream. Next time I'll add chocolate sauce and blackberries........

 The unwrapping of gifts is always a joy to watch.......

Trying to get a family photo is almost impossible but you can see Wade looking at someone instead of the camera while saying cheeeeese!!

 We received an indulgent box of handmade chocolates from a local chocolatier Bracegirdles and all with a Christmas theme too.....worth remembering with all the photos because they will soon be gone forever!!......

 So we have no sooner finished opening cards and putting up decorations and it will soon be time to take them all down again........

 Our list of people to send cards to is diminishing and I think I forgot a few this year but we received many lovely ones....

 My final reflection for 2019 from my Dalai Lama desk calendar is particularly poignant as the year comes to an end.......

We hope that 2020 is a year of peace and good health for you all. 

Thankyou from our house to yours for your emails and messages and I will share some new stitching ideas I am working on very soon.