Chilling out

Haven't felt like eating much after the lovely spread Karen put on for Christmas but we finally went out for coffee yesterday (Henley Beach/Westlake Shopping Centre/AAMI stadium)

and a very nice lunch today at the Victoria Hotel in Strathalbyn.

Came home via Bridgewater and visited the Mill

 

 

 

Having a quiet evening watching the cricket having now finished several patchwork projects (or moved them to the next step)

These mats are all finished now and Karen has the fruit and veg set.  I have a friend in mind for the red ones - they would look perfect in her family room.

The 'Gumnut Babies' pic-nic rug ready for binding as is the table runner below (there's another almost identical to be quilted tomorrow

 



Christmas Day

Spent a brilliant day with the family - Karen and Paul cooked a fabulous meal and the weather was warm and sunny.  The girls had fun opening all their presents and it was good to be together - the first time in 6 years.  Iain enjoyed his first Christmas Down Under and hopefully he'll come out again in a couple of years.

4 sleeps till Christmas

Iain had a great trip to Melbourne via Hall's Gap, Ottway NP and the Ocean Road.
Had the girls 3 days this week so lots of beach, craft and parks. Managed to fit in a quick trip to Mount Lofty and Hahndorf yesterday afternoon. Partying tonight and probably back to the beach tomorrow as it could reach 39 degrees!

Week 2

Monday - beach and bowling + Christmas shopping at Marion

Tuesday - Christmas lunch with Beria at Belair Golf Club, supper in Goolwa

Wednesday - Coorong Boat trip, walk round Port Elliot  (overnight in Port Elliot) and great meal in VictorHarbor

 

Thursday - Walk around Victor Harbor including causeway and circular trip round Granite Island,

Urimbirra wildlife park back via McLaren Vale and Cricket at the Oval - another full day.

Friday - boys relaxing and Iain packing for his Melbourne trip - me, working in the Cafe!

Iain's first week

Iain arrived on Monday to cool weather and cloudy skies

Took it easy for the first couple of days to let him get over jet-lag but by Wednesday we were off on the tourist trail.  Drove to Glenelg - travelled to the City by tram - walked around North Terrace, the riverside, Rundle Mall and Central Market and explored a bit more of Glenelg on the way back.  Went off for a meal with friends in the evening but back to bed at a reasonable time.

The weather really started to warm up on Thursday when we spend a fun day in the Barossa (via the Adelaide Hills) tasting wines and exploring all the iconic 'must see' places.

Friday was a sweltering 36+ so off to the beach at Noarlunga (and Blackwood Christmas Parade in the evening)

Finally, on Saturday, it was time to visit Willunga Market, McLaren Vale, Aldinga and Silver Sands. Found a couple of new wineries and, even better ...... tasted some great Aussie Beers! Clouded over in the afternoon so a good excuse to come home, have an early tea and watch the cricket.

 

Got the family coming for lunch tomorrow (with Bailey) so that should round off the week nicely.

Christmas Shopping

1st December - the official start to summer and time to shop - had a busy morning assembling and decorating the Christmas tree and tidying the house ready for Iain's arrival in 2 days time!

After lunch did most of our Christmas shopping at the Colonnades Centre in Noarlunga.  Filled the larder and fridge and spent ages putting it all away while Clive is flat out in his recliner snoaring like an express train!  All right for some.