"The Grounds"

Saturday saw another day out with the "kids", this time we went into "Alexandria" to visit the grounds. Located in the grounds is a collective interest of gourmet deli's and shops, Being there on a Saturday meant that we could also visit the gourmet markets offering a selection of fresh produce, delectable desserts, meats and cheeses. There was also stalls with scented candles, collection of vintage goods and stationary. On our arrival we booked into the very popular café, it is advisable to do this as there is usually a long wait to be seated. We waited 1 1/2 hours, but the food was worth the wait. We took the opportunity to visit the deli, called Salt, meat and cheese. http://saltmeatscheese.com.au/. My god we all died and went to heaven, the selection of gourmet cheeses and salami's as well as the salt selection was awesome. I purchased truffle pecorino, Roche forte cheese, white truffle salt, apple wood and pink Himalayan salt, as well as two different salami's. We finally sat down to eat at 1130hrs and enjoyed what was served.

Ahhh.. The Serenity!

What a great Australian saying made famous by one of our favourite Australian movies of all time." The Castle". Today I spent the day with my very dear friend Sandy, in her bush retreat. I last saw this retreat about 7 months ago and the progress with the renovations and gardens is a credit to her and her husband, in what they have achieved in such a short time. We spent the day working in the garden, had lunch with tiny finches close by and then went for a bush walk, what a great way to chill out and relax amongst nature at it very best. Usually there are green parrots and other colourful birds around, but as the wind picked, up all went quite with the birds. I did manage to come home with a bag full of lemons, so must make some lemon butter. It is the simple things that look great, like just planting a few succulents into a tree stump and making use of natural rock already in the bush.c

Gourmet Wednesday

After a very busy 5 days at work, it is time for a few days of rest, relaxation and socialising with family friends and pets. Work can be rewarding and demanding at the same time and life sometimes can be hard to get an even balance, so each day must be treasured and lived to the maximum. My puppy Xena is snuggling close and hubby also needs some attention, so my days spent at home will provide some comfort to them and myself. The best thing about having days off and every Wednesday is family night, aptly named "Gourmet Wednesday" by my next door neighbour. These nights are very important to me and my husband, because it is the one night of the week guaranteed to see our grown children and partners. The one delight in our life is our son's and their partners, whom we love dearly as they are an extension of our son's. When we are all together as a family, there are fun times and open honesty, no one holds back if something needs to be said.

Icons

Previously I have posted and talked about the religious paintings that I bought in Peru, well I have had one framed and I am very pleased with the result.  This was one of the arc angels that was painted on a door in the hotel we stayed at in Cuzco. The arc angel that I bought and had framed is also pictured below.

Framed Icons

Iguazu Falls

YouTube video of Iguazu Falls
One of our fellow travellers on our recent trip to South America, videoed our exciting ride on a jet boat, whilst at Iguazu Falls on the Argentina side. We all had a very memorable day spent in the national park and on the river. Posted below for all to share is our ride. Enjoy.

Religious Icons

On our recent trip to Peru, I was impressed by the art work that was displayed in the hotels that we stayed , most of them depicted a religious scene, with Jesus, as an infant and the mother Mary, as well as arch angels and family scenes etc.. One of the hotels that we stayed in Cusco, had a large painting of an arch angel on a door, and smaller versions framed  in the rooms that we stayed.  With me seeing this, I knew then that I had to have some of these paintings to possess. I then set my self  a mission to find them. My hubby being used to me being stubborn and not give up until mission accomplished,  diligently followed me through all the art galleries and markets.

Unframed paintings