Where is everybody?

I've decide to call my October blog posts 'the spring issue'. I wonder, can you bare any more photos of flowers and trees? I hope so, I am going to share some of our photos from a recent trip to the Roma Street Parklands.






There will be no weeping cherry trees or tulips in these photos, Roma Street Parklands is the largest sub-tropical garden and in the southern hemisphere and a marvel in it's own right.




We spent a magical four hours here and wondered, "where is everyone?" The place was almost deserted (we didn't mind) but we wondered why everyone wasn't taking advantage of such a beautiful space on such a beautiful day.

Some more tomorrow.

Go here, to see who else will be blogging daily for Blogtoberfest.

'Under The Jacaranda'

I have fallen in love with all of the beautiful blossom trees on our recent visit to country New Souths Wales.

However, while driving through the city streets of Brisbane on Saturday, I was reminded of one of Queensland's great beauties. The Jacaranda tree, a favourite of mine, we had three large trees on the footpath of my childhood home.

I had forgotten just how beautiful Brisbane can be at this time of the year. At almost every glance you could see the magnificent purple haze from the Jacaranda's in flower.

I instantly thought of this beautiful painting, that hangs in the Queensland Art Gallery.  

Oh, to be taking tea "under the Jacaranda's!"

Go here, to see who else will be blogging daily for Blogtoberfest.

Queensland Flood Appeal Auctions

It's been a harrowing day, glued to the TV and many, many, many phone calls.

Mr Moo could not get home from work tonight. We are grateful, that, after making a few extra detours, he could make it to my mum's place. It would have been nice to have him home.

Since my last post this afternoon, there has been many changes in South East Queensland. Many Brisbane suburbs are being evacuated, areas where we once lived and worked. My thoughts are now with my many readers and people from Brisbane and the surrounding areas. I hope you and your families are safe and dry tonight.

I sit here, stranded and feeling helpless, but there is something I can do. I will be taking part in the Queensland Flood Appeal Auctions that are being organised by Toni of 'make it perfect'. The Auction starts on Monday, 17th January and will run for one week. So what you need to do, is come back here on Monday to see what I will be auctioning off.

Take a button (see my sidebar) for your blog, even if you don't want to auction anything yourself, we need to spread the word. Support is vital, as 75% of Queensland has been declared a disaster zone.

Father's Day weekend

Relaxing but busy.

On Saturday we drove to Brisbane and on arriving stopped off at the West End Markets for a snack. Hungarian pancakes stuffed with bacon, spinach, mushrooms and cheese and galaktoboureko, It was so difficult to pick just one of the yummy greek sweets from the many stalls on offer. Tropical berry juice and cappuccino's all enjoyed sitting in the semi shade of the giant moreton bay figs trees. We watched the locals playing frisbee with the tall city buildings in the background and the early spring breeze in our hair.



After the markets we spent most of the day in the cultural centre. The girls went to see the amazing Valentino Exhibition and the boys spent almost all day at the Sciencentre. We were also in and out of the museum and the state library. I got a quick peek in the gallery shop and Miss Moo Moo and I enjoyed really yummy egg finger sandwiches and sour cherry crumble cake at the Watermall Cafe. Happy, but hungry after a long day, we then headed straight for our favourite Vietnamese restaurant for dinner. Crispy fried chicken and egg noodle soup and prawn and rice paper rolls. It doesn't sound like much but, we couldn't even eat it all. Extremely full and contented we headed to our little apartment and settled in for the night.



On Sunday we went to the Breakfast on the Bridge. It was threatening rain and the French themed event didn't quiet live up to what I had expected. (no mime artists, no can can dancers, no crepe stations, no fresh food markets - as promised) But after a long wait in the queue for this stall, all faith had been restored.

Pains au chocolat, croissants aux amandes and beignets de confiture.

Tres magnicient!



After a very long walk along the river (to walk off breakfast) It was time for lunch! Mr Moo's all time favourite, Yum Cha, did not disappoint. The food was soooo good, with, dare I say it, the best sweet and sour pork I have ever tasted. The atmosphere was really buzzing. A really good end to a great weekend.

The Pearl Cafe

Here are some photo's I forgot we took, at the Pearl Cafe last week.



Mr Moo needs his morning coffee.



My breakfast. The menu said: 4 minute boiled hens egg, rye soldiers, cured ocean trout and dill. I said: Yummo!



Mirror magic.

Bris Vegas Mini-break

(This photo was taken from here)

It was Mr Moo’s birthday on Tuesday and we went to Brisbane on a much needed mini- break. Grandma and Grandpa so very kindly looked after our children for us while we spent the next 3 days shopping and eating our way around the capital.



Movies: The last movie we saw together at the cinema was over 18 months ago. So, we took advantage of all our free time and saw “The Blind Side”, brilliant and “It’s Complicated”, where we both laughed until we cried.



Shopping: So many beautiful things to see, my wish list is too long. I am trying to work out how I can get back down to Brisbane for the day without Mr Moo so I can buy everything at Biome and Nook. We spent a lot of time in antique, bric brac and vintage shops – pure heaven. And went into way too many bookshops, of which I had officially banned myself for very good reason. On the back of a ratty envelope, I have a list of at least 14 new book titles that I simply must have. I also had a lot of fun buying a mountain of demin offcuts at Reverse Garbage, I huge place, but, I somehow did not make it past the fabric section!


(the Pearl Cafe)

Eating: As usual we ate far too much food. We had lots of coffee (lots!) We ate some great lunchtime panini’s at Brown Dog Café. Ate Vietnamese, Lebanese, Yum Cha and some fabulous modern Australian food at Anouk and Pearl Café. I really wish that Pearl Café was my local, the food was amazing, a great menu, made with top ingredients. Fresh, seasonal and local. Did I mention the attentive service and fantastic atmosphere? We ate a very special birthday dinner here, as well as going for coffee one day and breakfast the next.

Yes, I could see myself just popping in for a coffee and a piece of that Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cheese Cake every other day. Divine dreaming!