No lockdowns, normal social distancing, cafes and restaurants open, sports stadiums and theatres at more than 75% capacity. Apart from Using QR codes when entering an establishment, life is pretty normal here in South Australia. Had first (AZ) inoculation with some short-lived side effects and the winter flu jab so feeling pretty confident.  No overseas travel allowed yet but we can now travel interstate.

Just back from a week in the Riverlands, staying at Berri. Great time visiting museums, boat trips, trains, wineries and country houses

Blogging again - #coffeeo'clock

Covid may have restricted our travel a little but #coffeeoclock has become a treat at least twice a week through the winter months and beyond

As restrictions were eased, we travelled in all directions checking out lots of new cafes and bakeries

Its challenging trying to find new places but someone has to do it

The top 10 soon became the top 30 and is still growing

Some old favourites will stay on the list but other may get replaced when we find another little gem

For a while only takeaways were available, but now its mugs most days

Coffee, a drive and maybe a walk is the usual order of the day

I have a small expresso machine but still don't need an excuse to try other blends and venues

Most of the time its a skinny flay while but Clive still prefers a cappuccino even though he's paying for extra froth rather than coffee .... must be the attraction of the chocolate on top

Tastes better with a cake or muffin, usually carrot cake or banana bread.  I'd rather have a fresh cream éclair, lemon drizzle or jam Berliner (doughnut)

North, south, east, west or City ..... love the challenge

Coffee and gardens, coffee with a sea view, hidden city gems or hillside hideaway .... we're not fussy

I may have been a tea drinker for over 60 years (preferably Earl Grey) but the tide is turning

Green mugs, red mugs, black mugs ... who cares?  They all taste good

So where will go tomorrow?

 

Onkaparinga Penguins head to Hobart

In May our a cappella  choir headed off to Hobart for region 34 International Convention where we celebrated 30 years of Sweet Adelines in Australia. Our 'Penguin' package caused a stir in Penguin (on the north coast) and attracted plenty of media attention and we returned with the audience chosen 'Brava' award.  Now I know what it means to go 'viral' on Facebook!

Winter sun

Winter may seem mild to people from the UK but houses here, although they are well designed, they lack decent insulation and double glazing. 12 degree here is 'freezing' and even with the heating on high its hard to get the room temperature above 20. Sitting in our beautiful draughty homes reminds me of grandmas day when we stood on cold lino, huddled round a coal fire, and sat on the sofa covered with blankets and knitted or crochet 'throws'

The best answer is to head north for some winter sun - Queensland or Darwin are good.  Last year we had a fabulous week in  tropical Darwin and in 2 weeks we shall be heading for Noosa on the Shineshine coast

Here's some Darwin memories