Australia Day

Last Monday we celebrated Australia Day, as our pre-Australia day celebration we headed to the beach and had friends over for a barbecue dinner. I didn't want to inundate you with beach photos, so I thought I would share photos of our garden instead. 

Our kitchen garden has not been too bad this summer, crystal apple cucumber had been productive during December but has finished its season. Butter beans are still producing abundantly while beetroot and zucchini are almost ready for harvesting, and as of the spinach and lettuces they are the star of the season. Thank you dear friends for stopping by and for your thoughtful messages. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

I'm joining Bernideen for Friends Sharing Tea Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday

We are on summer holidays

Hello lovely friends.

First day back at work was a struggle, having been sleeping in till 8:00 in the morning, my body clock struggled to adjust. And what's worse is not enjoying the sun as much as we can. Before I went back to work we went beach hopping and op-shopping. I truly enjoyed the warm water and the peaceful lapping of waves by the shore. I found a few bits and pieces from a couple of charity shops. 

To those of you who are in the middle of winter right now, I wish I could share some beautiful warm weather with you. Thank you for visiting and your lovely messages.

I am joining Bernideen for Friends Sharing Tea Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday Martha for Tea cup Tuesday  Janet for Share your cup

A few yachts and boats were moored by the bay. While people went diving, snorkelling, fishing, swimming and sun baking.

Even the sea gulls are enjoying the sunshine and the fresh air

As you can see the water was so clear

Hope you don'tmind me, I just wanted to be part of the view

We took advantage of the sweet and juicy summer fruits like these mangoes. They are in abundance here down under this season.

We love to take our picnic basket, may it be at the beach, park or anywhere we can enjoy the view 

Below are my op-shop finds, a Winslow Homer replica painting on a music box, Royal Ascot cup and saucer, couple of Colclough cake plates, a pretty cup and saucer with pink roses, a wee oil painting and an English Cottage picture.

Below are my other op-shop finds, his and hers Australian Pottery mugs and an Ellgreave tea pot.

I love to end my day with a cup of tea. Below is one of my market finds,  De Olde English Grosvenor. 

Summer days

Hello dear lovely friends, how was your New year's celebration? Mine wasn't too bad, hubby and i were invited to spend new year's eve at my friend's place, where we ate, chatted, laughed, worshipped, and contemplated the year's good and not so good events. Then, prior to midnight we headed home to watch the fireworks.

Anyhow, for some of you who are in mid-winter I thought I would share these photos of Patonga beach which is only 1 1/2 hours from Sydney. Hope this will help brighten those cold and dreary days. 

Last few days have been hot with the temperature going up as high as 35 degrees Celcius. 

 Days like this send us to a place where sun-loving people seem to congregate to enjoy a warm breeze, the freshest food, blue skies, laughter and lots of stories surrounded by friends and families. Well, hubby and I didn't miss the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine by the beach. The local pub was bustling with locals and tourists alike. 

Wishing you all a wonderful week. 

I'm joining Sandi for Tea Tea Time Tuesday, Bernideen for Tea with Friends

At the end of our walk, we tucked in to some energy-giving meals. 

And ofcourse some dessert and a pot of tea for me.

I was able to use my Christmas tea set this year. My daughter baked some ginger men and Christmas tree biscuits. The candy cane-flavoured green tea was from Trader Joe's, its perfect for the festivity.