The weather has been glorious here today. Stark, blue cloudless skies, the gentle sun streaming in through the windows and the sound of birds chirping outside the open window makes for a perfectly relaxing sort of day.



We had a wonderful time yesterday with our friends Bosse and Ann. The fact that they arrived at 2pm and left after midnight and I don't believe there was a silent minute that whole time will give you an idea that we all got on famously. The time included a trip down to the boat (of course!) to check out our progress, then drinks, snacks and chatting followed by dinner and much more chatting. They arrived bearing a beautiful plant for me, Muscari armeniacum or Grape Hyacinth. It is sitting in a sunny spot by the window at the moment and the rich blue flowers are a sign that spring is almost upon us. While in Australia it is more common to bring a bunch of flowers, I've noticed here that people often bring plants and over the years I've collected an array of potted plants. Some are seasonal ones (daffodils and amaryllis) and others (like orchids) grow all year. I love to have greenery around and as we have west facing windows, they get plenty of light and seem to thrive in the constant temperature.

Bosse and Ann also brought several bottles of South Australian wine for us to share. I thought it was so thoughtful of them to have gone to the trouble of seeking out not only Australian wine, but also wine from my own state. So it was a real South Australian feast, featuring Penfolds, Wolf Blass and Yalumba.

When Lars-Göran watched me dividing up the left over main course today, he confessed that he didn't remember eating it last night. All he remembered were the snacks and drinks! A few too many drinks, I think. I wonder if he remembers his THREE servings of pavlova?

It was so nice to get together. We only met them recently and ibstantly felt a rapport and going by last night, I think we shall be firm friends. There was nothing we felt we couldn't talk about and I enjoy that sort of relaxing friendship. We are looking forward to getting to know them even better.



But it's far too nice a day for indoors - off to enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.