Saturday, February 3, 2018

Colours of Summer


Hello lovelies; welcome to my sunny part of the world. Thank you all so much for the lovely comments you gifted me last post. Yes, the lavender field is truly breathtaking, but alas, the day after my little photo shoot, my neighbour farmer harvested the lavender; so all the gorgeous lavender hues have disappeared. BUT......all that glorious colour will return later on in the year. Perhaps my Japanese pretty will be quilted and finished by then.....perhaps. =)

These last weeks have been filled with sun-drenched days. Each day the countryside has been bathed in glorious sunny hues with wide blue skies that stretch forever. The landscape is dotted with breathtaking, dancing summer colour. The sights and sounds and fragrances of Summer are always a delight. I have been enjoying all those happy and warm sunbeams bursting upon my li'l humble abode and its environs. The garden is flushed with glorious colour.

The Dahlias are yet again abloom in bright, happy colour.



The Cosmos are sashaying in shades of pretty pinks.

The roses are still smiling in pretty pastel hues.

AND.....of course the Hydrangeas.....well....they are doing their beautiful Hydrangea thing. =)

AND...of course, the pond is ever a restful retreat, casting it's magic upon all whom sit awhile.


It really is tough living in this paradise. =)


January found me socialising a little more than I usually would, as I celebrated a BIG birthday. Yes indeedy, this gal from down under turned 60!! Such a happy, wonderful and sunshiny, kinda number. So much more happier than the number 59......not that I ever was 59. You see, for the past year I have been 58 and 13 months, 58 and 14 months, 58 and 15 months etc etc.........until the wonderful numerals 60 appeared on my horizon. I can't really articulate why I dislike the number 59 so.....I just do.

So....this little while I have been enjoying the company of dear family and friends; birthday dinners with lovely friends, hanging out with my daughter and son-in-law who flew over land and sea to help me celebrate; to the grand finale......a surprise birthday dinner in a rather lovely restaurant, where beautiful family and special friends waited for me to say.....SURPRISE!! I didn't suspect a thing; I truly didn't. My dear husband and all those sweet friends of mine, have been plotting and scheming the last few months. They have all been involved in all manner of chicanery and subterfuge to organise my celebratory dinner. My sweet friends are all terribly adept at lying; as is my husband. Who would've thought my husband, who just happens to be a school chaplain could utter so many falsehoods. I wonder, will I ever be able to believe anything that is spoken from his mouth again. =) I do believe that if the day jobs, of all those whom were involved don't work out, there will always be a spot for each one of them in the secret service of their country. ALL would make the most excellent of double agents!

Me and my beautiful friends........oh, and my wonderful husband.

I received many beautiful gifts, from books, pretty doilies, beautiful jewellery, an ever-so-chic clutch, bouquets of flowers, a beautiful writing pen and ink set with various inks and nibs, pretty fabric, to a gorgeous crochet hexagon throw. My family and friends know me so very well.....'tis an utterly spoilt gal that I am.

My friend, Michelle, with whom I have been friends for over 40 years had been crocheting this hexie pretty for a little while. Isn't it gorgeous.



The garden is so welcoming of my crochet hexie woolly. No matter where it is placed the pop of bright and happy colour is perfect. Oh look.....there's my gardener......and a clever one he is at that. =)



My pretty looks amazing on both sides!



Love the reflections in the pond.

It's not at all obvious I am in love with my gorgeous, hexie crochet pretty, is it!!


Beautiful flowers were gifted to me.


A birthday cake is the perfect finish to a birthday celebration, is it not??  I was surprised with a most amazing birthday concoction, whipped up by a cake baker/decorator extraordinaire. It was truly an amazing cake and so very delicious. It was a rich, chocolate mud cake with icing of a patched hexagon quilt covering it, complete with buttons, needle and thread, scissors, thimble, flowers. I of course cried when I saw it. I could not help but stare at it for a very long time. I did not want to cut into this work of art. When eventually I guided the knife through it, I cut along the hexie pattern much to the merriment of all those who were watching. I quite simply could not hack into it.......it had to be cut with precision and care.

Isn't it a vision of pastel loveliness??

At my friend's home (another birthday celebration) ......little Eli (of  "One-Eye Eli fame) was most impatient with my cutting of the cake.



Though I was gifted with many beautiful gifts, it struck me that the collection of many beautiful moments were far more precious. Many moments filled with smiles and laughter. Many moments filled with love and hugs and joy......and a few tears. Many precious memories, skipping down the yellow brick road of friendship, with each gorgeous friend, at various stages of my life. These past few weeks my fine bone china, tea cup has runneth over with beautiful moments of love and friendship. Old friendships.....new friendships......all have added  beauty to my life. Indeed I cannot imagine my life without these dear friends, and of course my wonderful husband.

Sitting here reflecting upon the friends whom bless my days, I am reminded that each one brings beauty to my life. Each beautiful friend, at different times has shared the "best of times, the worst of times". Each one has laughed with me, cried with me, encouraged me, and at times carried me. I once read that "friends are God's way of taking care of us"; how very true! Indeed, when I count my blessings, I count my dear friends, twice. My beautiful friends remind me that it is a blessed gal that I am.

Until the next time........


44 comments:

  1. Many happy returns for your special day. It appears that you have been well and truly spoiled (most deservedly). Gorgeous cake! Fabulous crochet hexies! Stunning flowers and scenery.

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  2. Happy Birthday Kim. It is so wonderful to see the photos of your glorious garden when the weather is so gloomy here in the UK in February. We were in Tasmania for just 4 days last January doing family history research in Hobart and Bothwell. I wish I had remembered that you lived there as we might have been able to plan a quick visit. It looks like you were given a wonderful birthday to remember. Many happy returns!

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  3. A very Happy Birthday Kim! Beautiful photos as ever of your stunning garden, thank you! It is cold wet and miserable here today, but I can see signs of life as my bulbs start to grow :)

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  4. Happy birthday. This is such a special post, you truly are blessed and loved by so many. xx

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  5. Happy Birthday !!!!!!!!
    You are a lucky woman living in Paradise with husband and friends !
    The cake is perfect ! As the crochet hexies !
    Big HUG !
    Anna

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  6. What a lovely post so many beautiful photo's, a belated very Happy Birthday to you! what an amazing cake and that hexi blanket is so pretty what a beautiful gift. Have a great weekend. :) x

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  7. Happy Birthday and I love the cake. Your flower doilies are so pretty and I adore the quilt you made. You do live in a paradise. I love seeing all your garden pictures. We are in the middle of winter here in the States. It is 13 degrees right now and light snow. I cannot wait for Spring to arrive.

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  8. Happy birthday! I’m so glad you had so many wonderful birthday celebrations. Thanks for sharing the pictures of all those beautiful flowers. We have winter here so not so much color outside. That cake was beautiful too.

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  9. Happy birthday to you, Dear Kim! What wonderful celebrations you had!! Your gifts, including that gorgeous afghan and beautiful cake were perfect for you. You truly are a blessed Lady!!

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  10. Happy Birthday sweet friend! I am now happy to know that I am a year older than you, and that our birthdays are close together. I just turned 61 at the end of January. Each year along with a new ailment around my birthday (!) I am also reminded of what good company I am in at my age. You have just been added to that list of treasured company! I so wish I could have been there to celebrate with you so this post just fulfilled my wish. Your paradise is so inviting. That picture of you and your sweet husband in the field is just perfect. What a gorgeous quilt your friend crocheted you and what a perfect cake. You truly are blessed!

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  11. Your special day sounds lovely. I am still snow bound here in Michigan and spring won't arrive for months, seeing your lovely flowers helps me bear the wait.

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  12. What an absolutely delightful post - as usual, I've had to read it over and over, just to get more enjoyment. I've been out of circulation lately and have to catch up on all your fun posts (latest bout was with a very mean kidney stone). I adore your flowers and all the views of your garden - it is heaven on earth. These days, when I think of "going to my happy place", your blog is the first thing that comes to mind. I like to think of walking among the flowers, pond and scenery. Your dahlias are glorious!!!! And what a birthday celebration - those sorts of celebrations are reserved for the special people of this world. The afghan is delightful - and the cake - all so appropriate for you. I love Eli watching so carefully as you cut the cake - I'm sure his reward of a big slab of cake was enjoyed completely. Happy birthday my dear - it looks like the most spectacular party.

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  13. Happy 60th birthday Kim! What a truly blessed one you had! Although you received many pretty gifts (that hexie is divine!) I agree with you that having friends is the greatest gift one could ask for. I have to remember that quote of yours. Touched me deeply!

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  14. Oh my, dearest Kim, happy, happy 60th birthday!!!! It was so lovely to read of your wonderful celebration, to see your glorious pics of your flowers, and outdoors (yes, you do live in paradise!), and to see the cakes, and the crocheted hexie quilt. Friends, family, paradise, and treats, what could be better than that for turning 60?! Loving hugs and kisses are sent across the miles....xxoo

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  15. Happy Birthday, Kim! How utterly lovely!
    I am so pleased to hear about the beautiful birthday celebration that your family and friends organized for you. You deserve it, my dear. :) I adore the crocheted hexie and the pens.
    Your gardens are true delight. Emerson said, “The earth laughs in flowers.” Your gardens giggle with that truth.

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  16. What a wonderful post!!!Made me smile!Happy Birthday!!!Blessings and hugs.

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  17. Happy birthday! That cake looked awesome, and so right for you! Thank you for sharing all the wonderful color.

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  18. Kim, a very Happy Birthday to you!! So enjoyed hearing of all your celebrations!! How wonderful to celebrate with everyone! That Hexie crochet blanket is just gorgeous, that must have taken her some time to make and what a perfect gift for you, looks like you could just wrap yourself up in it! That cake is so cool, I would have a hard time cutting into it too! Thanks for sharing all your lovely photos of all the beautiful flowers too, I am getting excited for spring to come :)

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  19. Happy Birthday Kim. Love your blog. wonderful photos and cake. glad you had a wonderful time.

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    1. Thank you for your lovely birthday wishes, Kay. I enjoyed the most wonderful of birthdays. Kim Xx

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  20. Sweet Birthday blessings to you. I enjoyed reading about your special day. You truly are blessed.
    xx Beca

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  21. I did manage to say Happy Birthday on facebook but thought I should come by here and say the same. I am so delighted to see all of your summer flowers. Especially since I am looking out my winter at SNOW... it is snowing and snowing and snowing... Started early this morning. So happy to be able to visit your blog for at least a virtual taste of summer. I got back to my blogging today. Hope to keep up better this year. Come see me at http://agardenersart.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, Beth for your birthday wishes. 'Tis always a pleasure to zoom some happy summer colour to your snowy part of the world. It does sound a wee bit chilly up there. So happy you are back to blogging. I most certainly will visit your beautiful place. Kim Xx

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  22. Oh my! Happy Birthday! It sure looks like it was a very special day. I've never seen so much beauty in one post. Your flowers are breathtaking, and that quilt, and the cake are all so very beautiful. I just think everything you touch becomes beautiful.

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  23. Oh my word . . . I would never leave home . . . I cannot think of any place on earth that is any more beautiful that where you live. I know that keeping up with that amazing garden is a lot of work, but it must bring you so much pleasure. After seeing this post I now want to plant Dahlias this year. I hope they will do well here in your dry climate.
    Gorgeous post!!!
    Your blogging sister,
    Connie :)

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  24. Gorgeous Post dear Kim. Happy Happy Birthday indeed!! What a wonderful cake .... I just adore it. Your garden looks a picture as always. My dahlias are struggling in our relentless heat. Your quilt is just beautiful ... how special that your friend crocheted it for you. Have a lovely week dear Kim Xxxx

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  25. Your pictures are always welcome, especially this time of year when summer is just a memory here. Our daffodils are poking their leaves up a little now, so we may have flowers by March.

    What a great birthday celebration! Thank you for showing us your hand-crocheted blanket. It is lovely!

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  26. Happy Birthday Kim!!!
    It looks like a fairyland, where you live. The pond is amazing!
    Love the Hexie blanket, and all the lovely colors :-)
    Your birthdaycake is fantastic.♥

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    1. It is rather lovely down here at the bottom of the world, Loes. Thank you so much for your birthday wishes and kind comments; they have put a smile in my day. Kim Xx

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  27. Happy Birthday, dear Kim and welcome to the 60's club! It is truly a special time of life. How wonderful that your dear friends and family made your day so memorable and sweet. Love your beautiful blanket and the amazing cake. Your gardens are a delight to see - so bright and happy. Your 'gardener' certainly has a green thumb! I could gaze at them all day. It is quite gray and dreary here.......Such a lovely photo of the two of you in the lavender field. So glad your day was filled with love. xx Karen

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    1. I have to agree with you, Karen re the 60's club....I am rather loving belonging to this salubrious club. =) Yes, I had the best of birthdays surrounded by oodles of love. Thank you for popping by. Kim Xx

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  28. What a glorious post!! The photos, of course, are amazing, but it's the words you share and the joy I hear in your 'voice' as you talk about your wonderful birthday surprise and your dear husband and special friends. A day of celebration for sure. Happy (albeit, now belated) birthday wishes to you my friend!

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  29. What a fantastic celebration! I have never seen such a garden that seems to have a whole summer of flowers blooming at once ... some we only see in spring or fall but never sharing a day in ther sun together.

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  30. Your garden is looking spectacular, Kim. Such an inspiration to those of us who are currently living in a swamp! And your birthday celebrations sound wonderful. How lovely to have a surprise party and even a hexagon cake! And the crochet hexies are just fabulous. I hope that this 60th year will be your happiest yet, filled with friends, fabrics and flowers xxx

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  31. Happy Birthday Kim,
    I am right with you regarding #59 which I will be turning in July! I don't like numbers that end in 9 for some reason....but then again entering the next decade doesn't do much for me either. Can I just be 58 forever? So many gorgeous sights in this post, from the beautiful first landscape photo and all the beautiful flowers! What a wonderful birthday surprise you received with a perfectly themed cake for you!!! The crochet hexie throw you received from your friend is amazing, wow! What a beautiful gift from a dear friend! She is obviously talented too! Enjoy all the prettiness that surrounds you!!! I am so looking to forward to spring but alas....a possible foot of snow is coming our way tomorrow! Take care,
    xx
    Linda

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    1. Sounds a wee bit chilly up there, Linda. I am sure Spring will be there before you know it. Thank you for your kind birthday wishes. Oh I don't know, 60 is the new 50 isn't it. =) Thank you for visiting my summery place. Kim Xx

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  32. OMG...Your photos are gorgeous... What a fabulous birthday you had ...even the cake was outstanding... "HAPPY "belated “BIRTHDAY”. I had heard of Tasmania on my last visit ... maybe I’ll visit next time...It has such a lovely landscape, although , I know that it hot right now... Here in Canada ...we have freezing rain, snow and below zero temperatures... so your part of the world is definately more inspiring ( ha Ha) your lovely crocheted quilt would surely be appreciated . You ladies are so very talented. This was a happy post ... Thanks for sharing the Joy.

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    1. Thank you so much, Zaa, for your birthday wishes. Tassie is a most beautiful little island. The countryside is a similar to England. You live in Canada.....another beautiful part of the world. Canada is a place I would love to visit some day. Thank you for visiting. Kim Xx

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  33. Feast for my eyes - photos my favourite flowers and the magic pond. It really is tough living in this paradise, but someone has to do it! The crochet hexie is gorgeous! Speaking of hexies, how clever is that cake?!! It must have tasted divine too!! You are such a wonderful friend, your husband and friends did very well celebrating your birthday and spoiling you! Enjoy :)

    -Soma

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  34. Happy belated Birthday!! I love when you wrote about the many friends that enrich our lives through the different chapters of our lives. I so cherish and appreciate that element too. ANd your crochet hexi, created along side a dear friend is just so cherishable!! (Make me want to start crochet! LOL!) I love your husbands laugh in the group picture! And that Ellie cut the cake perfectly! A happy happy birthday had. I'm so happy for you!

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  35. Happy Belated Birthday! Love your stories :-) Inspired!!!

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  36. Oh Kim, such a wonderful birthday, couldn´t have been better, such a lot of scheming friends and ingenious husband, thoughtful gifts and that perfect cake. A beautiful crochet quilt to be treasured which competes for attention amongst the pretty garden flowers. Thank you for sharing your day with us and very very belated birthday wishes.

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  37. Happy Belated birthday dear Kim. What a lovely time you had with precious family and friends and that cake, wow what an apt theme for such a talented seamstress. That gorgeous crocheted quilt, how perfectly lovely. Your garden is breathtakingly beautiful.
    Xx jeanette ann

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