Things that Make me Happy

Have you ever noticed that it is sometimes the little things in life that can  make you happy. Sure it's great when all the big things fall into line, but the little things can often make you pause and smile and make your day a little brighter.

Like surprise gifts from friends.

My favourite yoghurt being back in the store. 

My silly ol' dog practicing being a big brother to our foster pups.

From the Garden

While we were gone things were a-growin'. Thanks to our neighbors who kept everything watered, we came home to quite a harvest. Our first cherries from the cherry tree, blueberries and even some raspberries. They were all so wonderfully sweet and juicy. And so much better because we grew them ourselves...with a bit of help from mother nature.

Birthday of the Big Cheese

The whole reason for our trip to Australia was Matt's dad's 80th birthday. He is the Big Cheese of the family after all. And 80 is something to celebrate. Family came from all over and I'm sure he had a wonderful time. 

Coming home

From this

To this ( aka sleeping on the floor at the airport) 

Traveling can wear you out especially if you're a kid. 

But first/ business class can ease the pain quite a bit.

Thanks to my lovely brother

But we are finally home. 

We are very thankful for our wonderful neighbors who kept an eye on things when we we're gone.

Culinary Journey

Every journey is made up of a lot of little experiences. Things to be relived and remembered. And food always plays a big part especially when shared with family and friends. This trip has been no exception. Lots of laughing and talking over a meal. So here is a view of our vacation from the dinner plate.....

Julie the chef gave us a lesson making pork and shrimp steamed dumplings.

One if our favorite meals - antipasto. Yum. 

A vegetarian delight in Nowra. 

And Matt on his happy place. Yum Cha on Brisbane 

And coffee in a different cafe every day.

Winter????

It's not really winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Not at least for us hearty Pacific Northwest folk. 

Swimming anyone?

Giggle

Thinking back to the last photo on yesterday's post, the name of that driving school gave me the giggles. And there have been so many things that have have caused me to snigger during the last few weeks. 

I like the use of term doodas in this sign. It really just covers everything. 

A sign out the front of a local wine bar called Madam Tojos. My favorite .....hippopotmustrosesquippedaliophobia... Fear of long words. 

Hello Queensland

Next stop was a trip to. Queensland to visit my brother and his family......and hello Queensland. You would never know it's winter. 

We stayed in a lovely place at kangaroo point on the Brisbane river .

And we took the City Cat into downtown and enjoyed wandering around and sightseeing.

Greg had told us about a fantastic place called the Confectionary Warehouse, so we went on a quest to seek it out. It was like stumbling into an Alladins cave of candy.

This one is for our friend Ron a lover of Nutella

And I couldn't help take a photo of this lady and her car. The no yelling driving school. If only there was one of these in Spokane.

South Coast

I think we have found heaven. It still exists in the sleepy little south coast town of Narooma. Matts brother and sister in law recently moved there and we were really lucky to be able to freeload with them. 

The area is just beautiful. 

Matt and the kids went hunting for nippers. 

And then we went and visited Julie's brother who has a few acres with sheep, chickens and a vege garden. My idea of heaven. All this and only 5 minutes to the beach.