Tag: wine

Beaches, Babies, Beers and Brides (Part One)

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It’s Monday the 31st of October… Halloween. It’s a perfect 20 degree day with the sun shining brightly over the backyard. Alistair’s cactus has bloomed, and Darcy has consequently bitten the flower since then (Darcy is Mum’s dog, not a human – that would be weird). Baker’s Delight have started stocking their fruit mince pies and we’ve snagged a couple to eat while watching Love Actually. My backpack is packed, my final catch ups completed, my stomach content and my heart is so, so full.

Our two and a half week trip home is nearing an end, and a little part of me is relieved. To say it’s been busy would be an understatement. However, it has been so worth the long journey home.

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We hit the ground running seeing family, friends and the familiar sights of our home town. I think on day two I was already back at Jacob’s ladder, simultaneously checking out the city and struggling to breath.

We visited our beloved beach and fought against the sea breeze to ride down to Yelo for a coffee and breakfast. I never realised how much I love our seaside until we were away from it for an extended period of time.

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The first week we stayed with Andrew’s parents, his sister Chelsea and their cat named Tess. I must admit it was lovely to wake up and have the house full of people running off for bike rides, or making coffee, chit-chatting the whole time.

One quiet day in the middle of the week we thought we’d play tourists in our own city and headed out to hike a little at Lesmurdie Falls.

This hike was quite the opposite of those we’ve done in Canada, but it was just as serene. Nothing makes me feel more at home or more relaxed than hearing the birds chirping, insects buzzing and kookaburras laughing in the middle of the bush. This day was such a nice reminder of why we will eventually return to this beautiful part of the world.

I was also lucky enough to spend a decent chunk of time catching up with my favourite gals. My beautiful Brianna was back in town for a weekend (she’s moved to Melbourne since I’ve been gone) and we all celebrated over wine and pizza at the Beaufort Street event Beauvine.

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The wine tasting was warmly welcomed, the food was tasty but the company was what made my night worth it. There’s something to be said about a friendship that can pick up right where it left off no matter how much time has passed. I’m fortunate enough to have eight of these, and seeing all of these faces makes me one happy gal indeed.

More to come on our time in Perth, if you can believe it our second week was busier than the first!
For now, Mum and I are celebrating Christmas instead of Halloween and making up for lost time.

Hanbel.
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There Has Never Been a Sadness That Can’t Be Cured by Breakfast Food

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Welcome to Hannah and Sheena’s weekend of food, where we ate our way through Melbourne and saw a little bit of culture in between meals.

It was a very indulgent weekend, and I don’t think either of us regret a thing. Sometimes, you just have to let go and enjoy yourself!

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First stop: Tempranillo at Arbory Bar, on a dreary Melbourne evening. Continue reading →

10 Things That Make Me Terribly Happy About Spring

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  1. Our roses have shot up, seemingly out of nowhere
  2. Not being freezing all the time, especially getting out of the shower
  3. The change in fruit and veggie season, goodbye potatoes, parsnips, leeks and all things heavy
  4. Rosé
  5. Being able to drink Number 4 outside (preferably in a beer garden, with some hilarious friends)
  6. Swapping to lighter sheets
  7. Everyone smiling in the sunshine
  8. Packing the stockings away
  9. Not being too cold for ice cream/frozen yoghurt
  10. It marks the beginning of the holiday season!

Hanbel.
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Turns Out I’m a Daddy’s Girl After All

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I love my papa.

He’s a gentle soul, a quiet achiever and music buff. Nothing makes him happier than a great meal, an excellent glass of red and countless hours in his music room, perusing his impressive record collection.

Neither Alistair or myself have lived with him for several years, and due to Melissa’s political commitments they are often travelling or busy with functions. This means I don’t get to spend a great deal of time with my Dad, but it does make those fortnightly (sometimes monthly – woops!) catch ups extra special.

With Andrew in Melbourne, and Melissa coming home late from Canberra, I took the opportunity to invite my Dad around for dinner last night. I must admit I was pretty intimidated to cook for him, he’s one of the best cooks I know and takes great pride in his food. I needn’t have worried though – he loved it all. Honestly, I think it was one of the best nights we’ve spent together. He brought around a bottle of wine, I cooked Spanish fish stew (which he’s told me he can’t ever have at home – Melissa doesn’t like it) and we chatted; for hours.

Dad and I have always gotten along, but there have been times, especially growing up, where I found him frustrating or didn’t understand where his thoughts were coming from. It’s so interesting to see how our relationship has changed as I’m growing up. I no longer feel the need to change him; I appreciate his good qualities, and forgive him for his minor flaws – just as he has done for me my whole life.

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After he drove away, I shut the door behind him and noticed the smile on my face. I’m lucky to have this man in my life, and I’m even more lucky to have finally realised that.

I always thought I was exactly like my Mum. I look more like her, we speak the same way and use the same gestures.
Lately, though I’m realising how much I take after the first man in my life. And you know… I don’t mind it at all.

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Hanbel.
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