we're back...

... from a little trip away to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula to stay with very old and very good friends.

oh, what a glorious morning. 

unfortunately it rained all day and for the next day and a half without a break. 

it was snug and warm inside with the log fire going but bitterly cold out.  we headed out here for a breather and a lovely hot coffee, again in front of a slow, glowing fire. 

early morning art and craft in the fabulous house

my daddy used to say that this early morning glow is when God switches the lights on.  it was with us for a couple of minutes, God did his morning chore, and the rest of the day was up to us ...

... which included heading down to the stables to meet up with the sweet smelling equine friends who live in the fields that surround the house. 

this beautiful beast is Four Poster, an ex-racehorse with the kindest nature.  he is gentle and soft eyed, but woe betide any of the others if they cross his invisible demarcation line!

hey guys hurry up, there's only so long a big fellow like me can wait around for breakfast!

polly, possibly one of the most laid back dogs i know

cheeky freddy.  just like an over-grown dog.  that space between his nostrils is utterly kissable, velvety, squishy, pony perfumed and responsive!  i love how his little lips quiver as he's smooched repeatedly.   it may gross some readers out but horsey folk know, and understand, just how special it is.

the perfect place for boys to hurl mud, and little girls too!

tigs and freddy

woo being all motherly and completely smitten with the whole horsey world.  i'm sorry momo, all she wants for C'rimas is a pony!

these two imps, waiting, safely tucked out of the way of the rabble waiting for their feed!

dear old sally, 35, dutiful and gracious

the merricks general store is literally down the lane.  so what do you do when it's so close and the children have cabin fever?  get 'em up, rug 'em up, saddle up - head 'em up! 

you may well look at this image and see peace, tranquility, harmony.  you'd be SO wrong.  this, my friends, was organised chaos, children arguing, babies running the wrong way, cars approaching,  dog rolling in dead stuff, mummies shouting!  thank heavens there was a latte waiting at the end of the lane.  we hitched the ponies and pup to the rail and crashed in to the, once again, fire-lit, welcoming store, sock-clad and pooped, from our adventure with the troops. 

we had the most wonderful time away. 

 and no, it wasn't particularly nice to come home, when we left this girl's idea of paradise. 

 if we're lucky and we didn't outstay our welcome we may be able to revisit.

sorry for the delay in getting this up, its been a bit of whirlwind since we returned.

now i must head to my sewing ... i'll share some exciting news soon, she says nervously.

e x