An Autumn Weekend in Armidale

Last week I shared with you some photos from the wedding we attended in Armidale

Here are some other photos from our trip.

We took the Bucketts Way/ Thunderbolts Way route to Armidale,

via Stroud and Gloucester.

After an early start, our first stop was morning tea at Stroud, 

on Silo Hill.

It was a beautiful sunny morning

and an amazing spot.

After Gloucester, the road took many winding turns and we headed up the mountains, 

 the scenery was incredible.

We arrived at Armidale around 2.00, 

well in time for the wedding rehearsal.

After such a strange wet and cool summer in Sydney,

it was good to get a sense of autumn in Armidale,

where the Autumn colours are everywhere.

Rain threatened just before the wedding,

but the clouds cleared and the sun shone.

On Sunday morning we woke to another beautiful Autumn day.

With a few hours to spare, we headed to the Arboretum

and enjoyed the sunshine, the colours,

the ducks

the tadpoles

 and the trees.

The forecast for the weekend had been around the 20degC range, 

so I had packed for wintery weather,

but it was more like 25degC

so after walking a while in the Arboretum 

I had to go and buy some summer clothes 

from the dregs of the sales!

We enjoyed a family lunch at the brides' parents home on Sunday afternoon.

Despite the dark clouds, the weather continued fine and mild.

On Sunday night the rain began to fall, and our trip home was misty and rainy.

We stopped at a few antique shops on the way and arrived home about 5.00pm.

We enjoyed being in the country so much,

but with the wedding and family commitments

there wasn't much time for relaxing on this little break.

 Which hadn't been the purpose of the trip, of course!

It was lovely to be at the wedding

and to see more of our country was a bonus!

Having had a little "Autumn Holiday", 

life does feel more like Autumn now!

Cheerful

It is a miserable rainy day here.

But a new red spotty cup & saucer makes me feel more cheerful.

The girls have been at my parents for the weekend.

We didn't plan anything special for while they were gone,

but enjoyed the serenity,

got some things done around the house,

went out for dinner

and watched some movies.

A good weekend.

And now it's time for me to go and pick them up

in time for school tomorrow.

*  *  *  

and in case you were wondering ...

... yes, I'm still on my gluten-free/dairy-free/low salicylate/low-amine diet ... 

... and the rest ...

... hence the hot water "tea" in my new cup ...

... but the DF/GF cookies are yummy!

An Autumn Wedding in Armidale

We have been to Armidale for the weekend

for a lovely wedding.

The bride arrived in the lane

through the gate,

under the autumn leaves and sunshine

led in by a piper in full Scottish dress

the old homestead where the wedding was held

we in our wedding finery

photo shoots between wedding and reception

 

Laura's fuzzy jacket was a magnet to many

amazing dark clouds

beautifully decorated tables

a good night for us

and a very happy bride and groom.

Happy Easter

Hmm ... it seems that bunnies have been multiplying in this house, 

over the years

But what's really important?

He is risen, indeed!!

 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

  So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.  Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.  Then Jesus said to them,“Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Matthew 28:1-10