APRIL AWAY

 Happy April, Dear Readers..

This dismal view from our deck is rain, more rain.

No sooner had we got over the shock of the cyclone, and long before the authorities have cleaned up the streets, we have another deluge.

And this, they promise, will be the last for the Summer.

Next week, we Red Cardinals will fly off on our very special trip to Europe.  I am looking forward to less humidity, even a glimpse of snow, and possibly some very cold temperatures.

In case you missed it, our own Australian girl, Queen Mary of Denmark, with her husband King Frederick, has been on a State Visit to Paris.

I am in awe of her beautiful white blouse and fabulous skirt.  Mary is always chic and on trend.

As it happens, I recently bought this white tencel shirt, with gold buttons and full, embroidered sleeves above trumpet cuffs.

I plan to wear it with a black bias cut ankle length linen skirt, and a wide black belt with a jewelled buckle.

You know, we are going to nine operas and concerts, so I have been really working out the combinations of a small number of black and white items. 

Today I finished making a black poplin shirt.  It looks grey, photographed on a very dull day, but rest assured it is a good strong black, and the buttons (sourced from a local Cheap Shop) are bright gold - and all are different!

I love this shirt pattern with its two concealed pockets in the yoke seam.  It is great for travel, and I have made it many times.

It is the Olya Shirt by Paper Theory, and you can buy it online and print it yourself (or at a print shop).

In a last minute sprint, I am almost finished a new pair of black stretch pants, which may be the most worn garment I take.

Before everything goes into the packing cubes, here's a glimpse of what has made the travel list.  Four dresses, from left: Navy broderie, black/cream jersey, a sunny linen for Easter Sunday, black/white spot.  Then black linen separates, and at back my heavy navy wool coat.  On Rt is a green knit top, leopard silk scarf, green and red wool pashmina scarves.  I have a red knit jumper on order, hoping it arrives in time.

Apart from the few new things, old faithful warm pants and tops will go along for daytime tours.

We feel the cold and temperatures in Salzburg next week will be as low as -2c.  I have a puffer jacket also stuffed in my suitcase. 

This is me in Canada two years ago, in my pink cloche from the ByWard Market in Ottawa.  I guess it will be going on another journey.

I hope you are all well, and I will try to keep up with everyone's posts while I travel, but I don't expect to be blogging.

It think we will be too busy.

I will be journalling and using my new instax printer to capture daily images, making a record for my old age.

Hope you are all well, and not too hot, wet or cold.

XXXXX