Sharing what we call home

Almost 12 months ago I received an email from a very excited Ruth in the UK to say she was thinking of coming to Australia! We met Ruth 5 years ago in the UK on one of the Morris tours and a visit 'down under' had been on her bucket list for many years. When she heard that her niece was coming to watch the cricket (the Ashes of course!), she decided she would come too. Not that Ruth follows the cricket but she did manage one day and we spent two days with her....and to think it took 24 hours to fly here and Adelaide is the only place she was visiting  So we just had to share the place we call home starting with the south coast on Monday.......

 Ruth injected some funds to the local quilt shop and left with a huge smile on her face with this stash........

 In fact she didn't stop smiling for the entire day with lots of hugs and tears thrown in as well! We know Ruth as "Ruth from Swindon" who is always smiling and loves a good beer too........so a local brewery visit was obligatory looking out over the beautiful vineyards of McLaren Vale.....

 Then yesterday we headed for the Adelaide Hills and took in a  few Morris sights along the way including the stunning Carrick Hill that was all dressed up for Christmas. Unfortunately our 'summer' weather turned cold and wet but Ruth never felt cold........comes from those tough UK winters I guess........

 and of course a British girl far prefers a good cup of tea to a coffee........

 Sadly my mobile phone photos are a little blurred but it was all stunning complete with those original Morris curtains and embroideries.......

 even the kitchen had its own gorgeous tree.........

 And the biggest and most unexpected surprise was a visit to Thorngrove Manor (thankyou Nydia and Ken xx)......Ruth was speechless with an even wider grin and more tears.......

We shared a delightful lunch where Ruth was still smiling........

 and yet another brewery.......as for me.....a nice cup of tea thank you!.........

 We have had such a wonderful time and are so sad that we live so far apart...but what special memories and thankyou for coming to see our home Ruth xx While in the festive mood I just thought I would share these recent photos from Emily..........

 Maisie is not so sure about the old fellow with the white beard but she loved his gift.........

 So finally and update on wee Wade who is now 1880gms......4lbs - whoop whoop! He is breathing on his own and the only little issue has been his heart rate but it is wonderful to see such positive progress.....and to think he has been here nearly 6 weeks......

 It is incredible to see his expressions that I tried to capture on my phone........

Thanks again for sharing in our lives and especially little Wade's x