2011: The recap episode

This will be the 7th year we have spent New Years Eve up here at the farm. Actually, we missed one year when we were in Paris, but other than that, this is where we see the year out and see the new one in.  I'm always nostalgic at this time, the remembering of what has been in the year past and thinking about all that will come in the new - the unknown and the planned. I just had a read through my very last post last year and was interested to see that all the things I hoped and planned for were just as good as I thought they would be, and I even managed to achieve a few too. Winning! I can't believe that I actually am healthier and I actually can run some distance (never mind the wetting of the pants or the tomato red complexion that comes with that). I feel like I have made some great friends this year and like I have a proper female friendship that is real and funny and everything I hoped for a year ago (thank you Lee).

Without any of you having to tell me I know my life is blessed. Don't worry, I know. I am lucky enough to have my health, a supportive and loyal (and not to mention sex-ay) husband, two great kids who sure, don't sleep, but fill my heart to the brim with joy and happiness and wonder. I am lucky enough not to have to work, to have friends who live around us who love us and get us and hold our hands as we still find our feet in our new community. I am lucky enough to have travelled to some amazing places this year, to celebrate some special occasions at home and away with our friends and family and to be happy pretty much each day.

As sure as it will be a new year on Sunday morning, I know that things will not always be as bright as they are for us all right now. I know for sure that things happen, people get sick, people die, friendships fade and times get tough. I know that this year ahead will bring new challenges for our family - Daisy starting school, Rob starting a whole new phase of his career, Harper maybe joining a Preschool and for me, well who knows really? Perhaps some work. Perhaps not. Perhaps a new baby. Probably not. I do know that I will keep coming on here on most days, telling a little tale from my day, sharing a picture from my garden or table or some frivolous purchase that I have made (sorry Sally). You see, I feel like my life, right now, is like some amazing precious gift that I have been given. It's beyond amazing on most days - with travel, a beautiful home and garden filled with good food and wine, celebrations and ridiculously special things that I feel like I just have to share. Some bloggers tell their stories to make people laugh, to share their frustrations, to keepsake this time for their kids in the future or just to tell their tale, because it's one hell of a tale to tell.  This blog is a little of all that for me - but mostly just to bring a little of the sparkle and goodness that I am lucky enough to have into your lives too. It's not much, it's certainly not changing the world, but I do know it brings me so much joy, and from all your comments and emails, it perhaps brings a little joy to your world too. So that's something. Silly and as small as it is, it's something.

So to you 2011, thank you for all of the wonderful things you brought to us. From where I am sitting, you looked pretty good to me.

And to 2012, I can't wait to see what you have planned for us all.

And to all of you, out there, Happy New Year! I can't wait to see each and every one of you when I open my laptop each day. I hope the new year is filled with happiness, patience, sleep, joy, frivolous purchases just because, French champagne, fulfilling careers, acceptance, delicious meals, forgiveness, a flowering garden, non judgement, love, lots of love and a whole lot of fun in between.

See you on the flip side.

Out.

These days

The days start early, like they always do, when the birds start to sing and the sun is still rising. The girls hop into bed as soon as their grandparents are awake to snuggle in, read stories and watch them drink hot tea as they rub sleep from their eyes. The dog under the bed covers brings giggles of delight and growls of intolerance from the Jack Russell.

After breakfast we trot down to the pool to settle into swimming, sunshine and hopefully a page or two read from our books. It never happens, there is always someone to look out for, to watch, a new trick to acknowledge and admire. Lollies are used as bribery to get them out of the pool but are soon forgotten as they lie down on their towels and the sun dries up the drips of water on little arms and legs alongside the growing fruit trees in the orchard.

After lunch there is always something to see or do. A ride on a tractor, a walk down to the river, a drive in the truck to collect mail, or drop rubbish off.

Another swim is required to cool off before afternoon tea, more swims, walks and adventures.

Two exhausted girls crash into bed early, dreaming peacefully of the promise of the new day and all that it will bring. The adults toast the sunset with a wine under the wisteria followed by a delicious dinner, laughs and solving the problems of the world. This is our happy place. These are our summer holidays. And this? Is heaven.

Pink sky at night, Beth's delight

After an 8 hour trip (in the mostly pissing down rain) door to door we arrived at the farm yesterday afternoon. And the strangest thing happened...there was sun. And blue skies. And in the evening? A sunset!

This place, it's my happy place. We are here for a week or so, soaking up the country air. Visiting the cows on the back of the truck. Going for swims. Venturing to the beach. Eating and drinking, napping and reading. The summer holidays have arrived.

A very BabyMachristmas: The Day

Here are a few snippets from the last few days. It's been the most relaxed, fun, indulgent and delicious Christmases I can remember.