Monday, March 21, 2016

ORANGE


Last week we went to Sydney on some family business..


The weather was nicely Autumnal...


We found time for some fossicking - life-sized camel anyone?


Deer continue to be in the ascendancy..



I was tempted by a French country cart, but don't know where I could fit it..


On the bargain table, a new piece of milk glass..


and an embroidery, for Palm Sunday.


We dined Italian..


Daughter-in-law and Daughter-in-law to be....


The Irish Lass made Irish Soda bread - so good, must learn this one.


I discovered the Sportscraft Outlet store.
Although I've never been a fan of Outlets, this time I scored well:


Much needed black ponte pants, a white cotton sweater and a pure silk orange tunic.  80% off normal retail.


And speaking of fashion, did you like Kate's new look?
I love the grey chapeau..


In her final year at the White House, Michelle is showing evening gown perfection:




The Garden of Neglect managed to look after itself for a few days..



I can't trust those naughty cockatoos, who like to tear apart my succulents.
I thought a couple of sentinel wooden ducks might discourage them.

So far, so good.



What are you doing at Easter?

XXXX


23 comments:

  1. Lovely to be with family. Your road trip loot is just beautiful. Family time, quiet time and hopefully some chocolate are my Easter plans xx

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    1. Family time and chocolate - what could be nicer. Happy Easter to you Michelle. xx

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  2. I can't believe that Easter is here already - just relax and take it easy is mainly on our card.
    Both your DiLs have lovely rings - their taste seems very similar, and what excitement awaits you all this year.
    Soda bread is lovely accompanied by a big bowl of nourishing soup, and your new DiLs looks particularly apetising.

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    1. Yes, Easter is rather early this year. We also will be having a quiet time, perhaps a little gardening.
      Yes, the DiLs do have very similar rings, rather Art Deco in feeling. They are good friends too which is really nice.
      Ah, I was not sure about how soda bread is eaten, but we did have it along with chicken soup. It has some resemblance to the traditional Australian bush food, damper.

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  3. Is this your second trip to Sydney this year Patricia?
    I love the two engagement rings and as Rosemary said they are similar - both square cut diamonds and vintage looking.
    Great sportscraft bargains P well done you!
    Love Kate's hat too!
    What is that fruit?
    Happy Easter to you both.
    We're not doing anything special.

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    1. Yes, this second trip was sudden, for family reasons.
      I love the girls' rings too, very art deco style.
      The orange berry/blue flower tree grows prolifically in our area. Our mower man calls it Sheena's Gold, but I don't know its real name. While the birds eat the berries, I don't think people would eat them.
      Here's to relaxing and peaceful Easters all round. xx

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  4. Milk glass and embroidery? I'd buy those in a minute. Looks like you did well at the clothing outlet too. I like tunics and can imagine that silk one feeling oh so comfortable to wear.

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    1. Kindred spirits think alike Darla.
      Tunics are on my agenda now the weather is a little cooler and we can wear sleeves again.

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  5. It looks like your trip to Sydney was a success, Patricia. I hope you had some Irish butter to put on that wonderful looking loaf of soda bread. You found many nice things while you were there, but I have to say my favourite is that embroidered piece. It's quite charming. Have a wonderful Easter!

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    1. Irish butter would have been great, but alas there was none to be had. However, we did discuss it - remembering your post. I'll look forward to trying the butter when we get to Ireland.
      Glad you like my embroidery - a little piece of tropical fun. Happy Easter Kristie.

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  6. Those antique shops are so tempting! I rather like the antlers :) Your soda bread looks delicious! Have a great week.
    Wendy
    PS I heard all kinds of cardinals singing their song to their loved ones on my morning walk today ... such a lovely springtime chorus!

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    1. We enjoy those big antique markets - so much to see. The antlers were nice, and there were lots of sweet deer figurines too. I forgot to take a picture of a donkey, even though there were lots and lots of 1950s Mexican donkeys. Funny how things come back into vogue. Glad you heard the cardinals - I have never heard them, but maybe one day...

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  7. Hope you have a great Easter and that you enjoy Autumn back in the garden again! xx

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    1. Thank you dear Amy. I spoke too soon, as the cockatoos were back this morning, about 6 of them. They attacked the sentinel ducks, and we managed to chase them off before they started on the plants. Time for a Plan B. Have a lovely Easter. xx

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  8. 80 percent off! Please come shopping with me! :-)

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    1. Ha, it rarely happens to me. Just happened to find a good Outlet at the right time (trans-season I guess).

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    2. Australia looks beautiful in the fall.

      80% off! Terrific!! Hope you bought the milk glass.

      I have a tasty recipe for Irish Soda Bread on The Savvy Shopper. I wonder if it's anything zlike you future daughther-in-law's authentic Irish recipe? You'll have to let me know, Patricia.

      And yes, I too loved Kate's gray coat.

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  9. HI Patricia....
    Love the antique shops...and that hobnail glass bowl!
    Your succulents are fabulous....on my list for some new house plants...
    We are getting freezing rain this am....pretty messy!
    Having all the kids for Turkey tomorrow...then...hopefully a cottage visit!
    Have a wonderful celebration...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. Knew you'd like the bowl Linda :) Enjoy your turkey, and a cottage visit for Easter would be wonderful. Don't like the freezing rain idea, though. Happy EAster.

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  10. Love the update Trish! And it's really fun to see some autumnal bits - even as we still dream on Spring. Still a bit brisk here and feels rather Autumn-like. Lol

    Love your new buys and love that embroidery. So pretty. ;)

    Hope that your watchers help and your lovely succulents will be safe!! Lol

    We'll be having Easter dinner over here at our house with several of the grandparents. Hope you all have a wonderful and very blessed Easter my Dear. xoxo

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    1. The cockatoos returned, and tossed off the ducks. Hmmm. The succulents have moved to a safer location - the war continues. Lovely to have the grandparents there for Easter. We will go see my father, and have some family drop in here over the Easter time. Wishing you all a happy and blessed Easter too. xox

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  11. What a lovely family trip, Patricia. I found the photo of the hands of your daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law-to-be very touching. When is the Irish wedding?

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    1. It was a sweet moment when the girls put their hands together that way - maybe because their men were not present? The fact they both chose similar art deco rings, albeit a decade apart, does illustrate their like-mindedness. We are lucky to have these two girls come into our family. The wedding is set for September this year. No so very long to prepare.

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