Thistledown Country Cottage

In the days after Christmas it feels like the real holiday begins. The pace leading up to Christmas slackens and is followed by quiet days with simple plans. Dave joins us at home and the children all climb into bed for cuddles in the mornings. Our two year old notes with new surprise each morning that Dada isn't leaving for work. Later nights. Afternoon naps. Day trips and adventures to celebrate with family and friends. Bliss.

Yesterday we traveled to Mount Barney, in Queensland's Scenic Rim, to visit Dave's Mother for her birthday. She is staying at the lovely Thistledown Country Retreat. We enjoyed lunch with her (prawns and watermelon make such a wonderful combination), we wandered the grounds, fed the sheep, explored the kitchen garden and rose garden. We took in the beautiful old home, with it's chandeliered dining room and charming country kitchen. The rain came in gently and the first mist turned into a drizzle. The mountains were hung with clouds, obscuring their peaks. The birds sat dripping among the tree branches and wallabys' bounded picturesquely across lush green hills.

As we drove home and the children napped in the car, I felt the joy and happiness of the season in great measure. Wishing you days of beauty and connection with your loved ones as the year nears it's end.

Weekending - Deep Oceans

There's something about a museum cabinet full of labeled curiosities that makes my heart pitter patter that little bit faster. I'm especially drawn to new shapes, forms and textures, like the sea sponge skeleton above. Shapes and textures that often then find their way in to my jewellery after such excursions.

Yesterday we visited the 'Deep Oceans' exhibition at the Queensland Museum, Brisbane. I was just as excited as Cohen to see the preserved giant squid and wander through the cabinets and displays with an inquiring mind. At five, Cohen is such a little knowledge sponge right now, and so eager to learn. We are endeavoring to provide him with as many opportunities as possible to see and understand the world and feed his passion for learning while he is so receptive. 'Deep Oceans' was certainly a win in that regard. He loved looking at and interacting with all the displays, and then playing on the themed playground at the end.

Next weekend I am thinking we will visit the Planetarium.

Weekending

With Dave often working six days a week, and myself spending many nights and weekends at the bench, 'family Sundays' are the perfect way for us to end one week and begin another. I'm not the least bit religious, but the idea of a day of rest resonates with me. A day to connect, be creative, read, sleep in, explore. And so have our Sundays become.

Yesterday we explored Giants Causeway at Fingal Head. The beautiful hexagonal rocky formations are the result of volcanic activity. The island visible from the headland, Cook Island, was noted by Lieutenant James Cook during his east coast explorations in 1770 and thus named after him. While the sweet little lighthouse was established in 1872. Cohen was most disappointed that we couldn't go inside.

The wind whipped the rocky outcrops to such a degree that clamoring across the hexagonal rocks was off limits, especially to my pregnant self. Rock hopping is one of my very favourite things. I contented myself with the view from up high, though we will most definitely have to go back again.

How was your weekend? 

What adventures did it have in store?