Sunday, December 4, 2016

Unexpected






As I lay in bed late at night, trying to settle to sleep, our temperamental doorbell sounded - or did it? The chimes came a second time so I cautiously investigated. Yes, someone was at our front door! They didn't look too tall or aggressive through the frosted glass so I carefully opened to door, knowing there was a locked screen door between us.....

IT WAS MISS N!!!!! None of us had any idea she was coming home, we had not seen her since July when she moved to Sydney for work and cricket. Just a couple of hours earlier Miss G had been asked "What do you want for your birthday?" Miss G and Miss N were about to celebrate their 19th birthday, and celebrate apart for the first time ever. Her response was "I just want N". And now Miss N was waking her up in her own bedroom! After much planning and many weeks of silent anticipation, Miss N had executed her plan beautifully - involving a train, plane, taxi, train and lift from a local friend to make it home after a long day's work. It was a while before we all made it back to bed that night and even longer before we managed to nod off to sleep.

An extended birthday long weekend began. Miss N was able to watch her younger sisters play their weekly cricket game and also visited the seniors games, catching up with friends from her old local club. Another particular request while home was to set up the Christmas tree, a family activity she didn't want to miss out on. Then all too soon she had to return to Sydney.






Some major changes are occurring in our local area as preliminary work progresses towards an additional bridge to serve our town which straddles a large river. Some massive fig trees were felled in a day, and quite a number of houses are in the process of being demolished to make room for the necessary road changes.







As our calendar moves on we are having a definite taste of summer with a heat wave - tomorrow is forecast to be 40C (104F).  The plumeria/frangipanis are bursting into flower while the jacarandas have nearly completed their short yet magnificent display.

I have had fun combining Christmas fabrics, sewing a lined bread bag, a couple of specialty drawstring bags and a cute little fabric basket. These have been listed in my Etsy shop, but to be honest, I won't mind using them myself if they don't sell ;)

Finishing with a quote which is always relevant, especially so at this time of year  - 


Never be in a hurry; 
do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. 
Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, 
even if your whole world seems upset. 

                                             Saint Francis de Sales


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15 comments:

chica said...

Que bela surpresa essa! Valeu muito! Lindas fotos e momentos! bjs, tudo de bom,chica

s.c said...

Always a pleasure to see the beauty of your surroundings. Great that your children are doing so well. Have a nice weekend.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

What a wonderful surprise you all had with Miss N's visit! Glad it all went well with her travels and that you all had some quality time together.

Happy Christmas holidays ~ FlowerLady

Erin said...

Easily picturing the excitement of the whole family, and G's particularly. Well done N, you pulled it all off brilliantly.

Are you having all your children home this year for Christmas? including Miss J?

Karen Lakis said...

The very best kind of surprise! Your flowers are so pretty - I have to remind myself that as we are heading into winter, you are beginning summer.

Michelle said...

What a wonderful surprise!

Rick Forrestal said...

Really great pics.
Thanks for sharing and being happy.

Giga said...

The great surprise did Miss N to all of you, especially Miss G. It was certainly a very, very interesting miłe.Czas also spent. Beautiful summer is with you, but a little hot. We cold for a change. Regards .

Susan said...

While all your photos are always beautiful Karen, those happy smiles and pretty Christmas bags deserve special mention! The Christmas sewing is really, really lovely!

christine said...

What a wonderful surprise for all of you. What a perfect birthday 'presence' for your daughters. Wonderful quote at the end. And as always, beautiful photos.

Dirk Rosin said...

flotte bilder !

Fun60 said...

Wasn't that the best of surprises. No doubt a weekend to better all weekends.

Marijke said...

What a wonderfull surprise!
Pound street is looking rather different, but I can’t wait to drive over that new bridge!
We’ve started the countdown to Christmas, the parents in law landed in Sydney this morning,
they’ll take two weeks to make it here. I hope by then the temperature is a little less temperamental!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, Karen, what a wonderful surprise!
I am so glad that Miss N was able to be with Miss G for their birthday.
Have a wonderful week ahead, my friend.
xo.

diane b said...

What a great birthday surprise for Miss G. Love the photos showing their love for one another.

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