Believing in Our Dream

Cottage in a Winery at Sutton Forrest NSW

Home made jam shop in Berrima NSW

Sutton Forrest in Southern Highlands NSW

I’ve been looking through the photos captured from last week’s sight seeing adventures with my family (showing family who were staying with us, around where we live). 

Almost two years ago, we lived in the inner City of Sydney.  For seven years we dreamt, planned and actioned change, that allowed us to eventually move to an area we saw as ‘Bliss’.  We are now living that Bliss in the Wollondilly area, base of the Southern Highlands of NSW (South of Sydney).

So many people said “wish we could do what you have done”.  Our response is “what’s stopping you?”

For years there was much standing in our way, of achieving the work / life balance in our semi rural lifestyle, that we currently enjoy.

Belief in our dream, was the fundamental reason we are now living our dream.  Belief that it was possible, belief that we deserved it and belief that it was important.

Challenges were overcome because of our belief.

What do you believe about your dreams? Really, truthfully believe?

Photograph Sunday – Dailie Flower Happiness

Dailie flowers are synonymous with country gardens – and they make me happy.  Ever since I can remember, I have called them ‘Day Lillies’, much to the amusement of gardening purists.

Where ever you are around the world today, I hope my dailies put a little sunshine into your day!

Have a great weekend everyone.

Australia’s Southern Highlands Pottery and Sustainable Farm Visit

On Saturday,  my Seed Savers friends and I visited Steve Harrison and Janine King’s property. Their place is only a ten minute drive from our home.

Both Steve and Janine are very well known Australian potters. They moved to the Southern Highlands 40 years ago to live a sustainable lifestyle.

We all were given a glorious guided tour of their expansive gardens, pottery sheds and produce storage preserves. Everyone brought home made goodies to share for lunch afterwards – a chance to discuss sustainable living ideas.

Steve and Janine thankyou for your warm hospitality.  I (and our Little One) had a wonderful day.

Visit to Little Field Mice Farm & Elderflower Wine

Last Saturday, together with my local Seed Savers group, we visited the Little Field Mice Farm.

Before we all learnt about making elderflower wine, we were given a guided tour of the farm.  It wasn’t just the children who had a brilliant time.

After the tour and lunch, it was time to get stuck into learning all things elderflower.  Also as a surprise we were going to learn about apple cider making.

Now for the sad truth……  It was at this point my Little One started to loose it.  She was tired.  Tired from a lack of sleep, tired from a big day and tired from fighting the virus we both have had.

So with a very heavy heart, I bundled her up into the car and drove home.  Yep I missed the workshop.  Any parent will know exactly how I felt driving away from something I have been so excited to partake in.

However I am so glad that I was still able to attend.  The farm was inspirational and as always it was very enjoyable to be around friendly, like minded people.

The good news for those readers who were hanging out for elderflower wine making information, is that Macarthur Seed Savers will be updating their blog shortly with the details.  As soon as they do I will add a comment below with the link.  I’m happy to notify you personally of the posted details if you leave a comment to let me know.

In Conclusion?
Despite the day ending differently to planned, I had a thoroughly enjoyable day.  Thank you Little Field Mice Farm!!!

Plumbing Work Started – no running water for awhile

An explanation was warranted as to my reason for taking these photos – didn’t want our plumber to think we were planning a lawsuit.

Relieved that the plumbing work has commenced, however it will be a challenge to have no running water for awhile, especially with a toddler.  We are prepared though – filling large containers with water.

Once completed,  we will have all new pipes (no more blockages etc) as well as a massive underground rain water tank. Finally securing our own ‘off grid’ water supply.

I have asked our plumber to not throw out any left over pvc piping, as I have grand plans to build a vertical strawberry garden patch.

Lots of construction activity at our place for awhile…

The Finished Back Entertaining Deck

Putting on one’s own shoes, our ‘Little One’ escapes through the back ‘doggy door’.  “Put your rain jacket on” I call out.

Kids love playing in the rain!  I watch our Little One, play in water puddles collected ontop of the outside chairs.  The back deck is now a safe area for children to play.

When we moved here (over a year ago) the deck was in desperate need of staining and the railings were dangerous – a falling risk for not only children.

We employed a professional to repair and secure the deck but we were the ones who sanded, stained and painted over numerous days. 

The renovated back deck was completed just before Christmas – in time for our house warming with the neighbourhood.   We invited our neighbours and all we had met in our new town, as a way of saying “Thankyou” for welcoming us.  People joked that half of the town was at the party.

In 2015 we will again be focusing on the outside of our home.  Not only the gardens but also painting and repairs. Most of which we intend doing ourselves.

Cleaning and Clearing After Mega Rain Storm

After Friday’s mega rain storm in the Southern Highlands / Wollondilly area, we needed to clear the mess.

My Hubbie photographed ‘Yours Truly’ sawing damaged tree branches – Jane of the Jungle.  There is nothing like putting my gum boots on, rolling my sleeves up and getting to work.

All we need now (after hours of cleaning up) is for the sun to come out and dry the remaining trickling stream – remnants of yesterday’s flowing river and cascading river.