Tea for one

Today is the first day of winter here down under. The morning sun bright and sunny brought warmth breeze, salving, soothing and pleasant to the soul. As per the weather forecast late afternoon showers casting a shadow over the blue sky.

But of course, I have my iPad handy and took advantage of the morning light and took few photos around the garden.

And since I got the house all to myself this beautiful Sabbath day, turning the kettle on and pouring my cup with one of the sweet smelling brew of black currant tea completes my day.

Hoping you are all enjoying this beautiful weekend.



                                Linking to The Dedicated House for anything-blue-Friday.

I found this little tea pot at a garage sale.

Handmade by Annie Kaill  a Polish Pottery

Lemon tart and choc brioche, all for me??

I spotted this little frogmug lying between a pile of trash, if not treasure in a flea market, I rescued him and give him a home @ a whopping price of $1

And Miss Grin-frog would have been happy to meet Kermit. They would have been perfect together. Nevertheless, they are perfect tea party companion.

My sweet pea thought spring has sprung. So I cut some with some and put them in this milk jug together with roses and African daisies.

Some pink daisies and white geraniums

This Geraldton wax (native to Australia) is starting to flower.

Another Daisy

This little ground cover is also native to Australia.

Guara-hardy, invasive and self-seeding, no need to buy a new plant every year as they just pop up everywhere.

I thought I might share this picture of a wild mushroom. They've invaded our garden. Does anyone recognize what sort these are??

Apple picking is almost over.

But these strawberries seem to keep going and going as long as Mr snail doesn't get in the way.

Australia's biggest morning tea

Today, the biggest morning tea in Australia is celebrating 20 years. What is Australia's biggest morning tea you may ask? Well, it is a charity fund raiser for the Cancer Council and research. 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. Together, every cup of tea brings us closer to finding a cure.
Everyone is invited and encouraged to support this good cause. Over 1 million Australians now take part in this big event. By organising a simple get together with your family and friends or colleagues, hosting or donating can make a big difference.

My contribution today is my gluten free vanilla cupcakes. Simple and easy, very light and fluffy yet rich in flavour.



Buon Appetito!!

Autumn that May last

One more week till autumn says goodbye.  Deciduous trees are in the last stage of their colour explosion. I will miss those vivid yellow, burnt orange, flaming red leaves of maple trees, liquid amber, plane trees, Chinese tallow and their like. I love walking on those colourful, soft leaf-lined streets where I go for my walk during my lunch break. As the trees prepare for the cold weather, our garden is showing resiliency. I've picked the last pumpkins, mandarins, tangelos and blood oranges. Mr Tassell planted some bulbs (daffodils, ranunculus, hyacinths), foxgloves, sweet peas, and heaps of annuals.  Whilst the winter veggies are gently moving ahead. Snow peas, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are growing well. English spinach, shallots and  some mesculin mix salad are almost ready to pick.

Wishing everyone an enjoyable spring day!

I found this hopper sitting on the orchid, and I cant help myself but to take its photos. It didn't seem to bother him.

One of the talking points in our garden; the lady bird bath and her little friend; our boy bird feeder.

                                         Before and after picture of Zygo cactus

                                                                                Begonia

                                                       Tibouchina

                                                                  Cyclamens

                                                   
                                                        Another happy orchid