Thursday, January 5, 2017

Today is a good day.....to have a good day!


Today is a good day.......to have a good day! It is a fresh new year and the sun is shining. My good husband and I have returned from our little holiday and thankfully we did not melt as I last intimated we might. Actually, I found all that lovely hot weather rather wonderful. It was lovely to explore the Gold Coast of Queensland with the Summer sun beaming on us.

The view from our daughter and son-in-law's 13th floor apartment; such a gorgeous view of the city and the Nerang River.




Our daughter and son-in-law took us to the Q1 Skypoint Observation Deck where we enjoyed a high tea. The building is 77 stories high...with amazing 360 degree views of the Gold Coast beaches, to the hinterland and beyond.



Wish oh wish we had more time to spend with my daughter and son-in-law, but alas time never stands still for no man (nor woman). We truly did have the best time!

But....we are home again and for the next 6 weeks I can do whatever I please. You see it is the Summer holidays down here at the bottom of the world. No timetables to keep, no organising of sewing lessons, no anything.......just oodles of time to do whatever I please.......stitching, gardening,  reading (I was gifted oodles of books for Christmas...books are always my very favourite Christmas present), perhaps tarting up a chaise lounge, tarting up a room or two, visiting friends, meandering about in the summery countryside.....aah bliss!!

I want to finish quilting my scrappy/doily quilt and perhaps even finish my Cathedral Window quilt. I also want to  work a little magic on my boudoir....painting walls, creating a feature wall, ripping up carpet that should never really be warming any floors and giving the floor boards a lick or two of white paint. Well that's the plan, but as I am a gal who doesn't keep lists (it's useless anyway.....me and lists......nothing really ever gets ticked off) we will just wait and see, shall we??

But for today I find myself sitting in my swing seat (again), quilting my scrappy quilt. It's seems forever since I last picked up this pretty. I have looked longingly at it over the last couple of months, wishing I could pick it up but the days, weeks, just flew by quicker than quick.



It is beautiful at the moment, lazing here by the pond. Our friendly, neighbourly farmer has decided to plant acres and acres of poppies in the paddock surrounding our humble abode. It is a delight sitting here. As far as the eye can see there is a pretty vignette. The pond to the front, pretty Summer flowers dancing in the soft breeze to the side and pretty mauve poppies swaying in all their beauty for acres and acres to the back of me. How serendipitous. Last year it was a crop of potatoes.....this year poppies. Aah.....can't get much better than this, except perhaps acres and acres of Irises........but for this Summer the poppies will do nicely....very nicely........thank you very much!







Aren't I just the lucky gal to be surrounded by all this beauty!




Of course in a little while the poppy flowers will be gone and the farmer will harvest the seed pods, but for now I will just enjoy the beauty of them en masse.




Sitting here in my swinging seat, with my quilt in my lap, quilting, enveloped in a sense of peace and contentment, it just has to be a good day.....doesn't it?? I rather feel as if I am sitting in the middle of a Monet-esque painting.





Of course the occasional (only very occasionally) glass of wine and cheese always makes for a good day. =)



And of course a li'l quilting and a bottomless pot of tea with a li'l Christmas cake helps to make a good day......well.....perfect! =)




Enough of this chit chat......there's a small matter of a li'l quilting and a li'l tea drinking to be enjoyed! =)


May today be a good day for you, too. Until the next time............

50 comments:

  1. wishing you a Happy New year.Is there room for me to pull up a chair do you think! Hugs ValeryAnne.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Happy New Year dear Kim. Your photos are stunning as always - that view from your apartment rather takes your breath away. I am sitting here reading your post enjoying a cuppa with a slice of christmas cake just as I look at your photos. Hope you have a happy & creative year my friend x x x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gorgeous, just gorgeous! Your photos are like post cards, so clear that it feels like I am right there with you. Wow! That beach went on forever in all its slender and glory. I was picturing myself walking as far as I possibly could on that beach and soaking up the glory of God.
    Then you take us to your own beauty nested in your own glorious yard. You are certainly surrounded by God's glorious beauty.
    My dear, enjoy the free time you are afforded over your warm summer months.

    Blessings for a wonderful New Year~

    ReplyDelete
  4. A field of poppies. How wonderful. And to think I got excited when my neighbour mowed his paddock for the first time in over 12 months. It left me wondering where all the snakes might have gone. Not our way I hope.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a beautiful view you have in back of your home! The poppies are just beautiful. So nice to be able to relax there and quilt and relax. I love the beautiful photos of your trip. The ocean is so blue and lovely. Enjoy your days!

    ReplyDelete
  6. A beautiful post - a lovely holiday with beautiful beach (without the heat would be better) and then to return home to Poppy beauty! How could you not just sit and stitch and drink whatever you enjoy and soak it all in! May this be the beginning of a beautiful, happy and healthy 2017 for you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Enjoy your summer time! I was just saying today I could do with summer now. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures of your garden. A place to treasure I can see. Anna x

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a delight to see your sunshine-y and warm post! Especially so, considering that at noon today it was snowing so hard here that we couldn't see two feet outside our windows.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh, that does look and sound like total bliss. Enjoy your holiday!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Kim! I love all the pinkness! So pretty! A field of poppies? How gorgeous! I'll just enjoy your weather. It's snowing here.
    Your trip to see your daughter and son-in-law looked like a grand time!
    Yay for books for Christmas! Love love love!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh how I love your blog - and your world. The poppy fields are amazing - perhaps some of the seeds will be carried over to your yard and grow for you next year - birdies are always helpful with passing seeds around for all to share. Your views are gorgeous - your tea set divine - and the pink Fairy Wand flowers are my absolute favorites. I must get some this year - so they can blow gently in the wind. I had some in Northern California and I hope they will grow here - I've not tried. What a luxury to have a summer vacation of doing whatever you please - and I'm sure we will all enjoy your projects - whatever they may be. You live in an enchanted world. So glad you got to visit your daughter and son-in-law - what marvelous views of the area - and all those tall buildings - oh my! Happy summer my dear - we have snow on the ground and the temperatures haven't been above freezing for days and days - hopefully our normal winter rains will return soon and warm us up just a bit. While we wait - I will go back and revisit your fabulous gardens. Happy Summer and happy New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ah...here I am in the whimsical and beautiful world of the lovely Kim. You are like a delightful little fairy sprinkling fairy dust everywhere you go :)

    It was so good to pop in for a visit after being away from my blog....I have missed YOU, sweet lady.

    I hope you are enjoying the New Year thus far and I hope it's filled with lots of love, sweet joy, and many blessings.

    Love and hugs to you!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh Kim, what a lovely, lovely post! Queensland would be a bit intimidating for me! But such a pretty city! And your view of the fields about you! Absolutely gorgeous! It would be lovely to set and have tea with you! Enjoy your summer vacation!

    Hugs from Texas!

    ReplyDelete
  14. How gorgeous! Here's to a relaxing summer holiday. I am so happy to have my little ones home for the holidays!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I too, always loved having my little ones home for the holidays. School holidays always meant sleep ins and lovely, easy and relaxed days. Have a wonderful holiday, lovely Jayne!

      Delete
  15. Replies
    1. Very bucolic indeed. =) Wishing you a lovely day, lovely Ann!

      Delete
  16. Oh my - what amazing pictures of your garden and creativity and the lovely city as well!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Beautiful scenic views from high up but I do prefer the nature of the countryside. The biggest gift is finding joy wherever you are, peace for your eyes and something for your hands to do.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Happy New Year Kim! I wish I could join you in that picturesque scenery spreading before your eyes! Enjoy your blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Good Day Kim...such a lovely post. Oh, I spend so much time on our swing by the pond I know the peace and serenity it brings you. I could only wish for that field of poppies to look on too, but I settle for my Morning Glories and Rose of Sharon...and my birds....oh, and my frogs.
    Best Wishes and Thank you for blogging.
    xx, Carol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We are so blessed, are we not, to both be able to spend time on our swings in the peace and serenity of our surrounding countryside. Oh I do love the sound of you being surrounded by Morning Glories and Roses of Sharon, with the birds and frogs to keep you company!! LOVE Morning Glories. Thank you for popping by. Have the most wonderful day, lovely Carol, enjoying your lovely countryside. Kim Xx

      Delete
  20. What a gorgeous post, So glad you had a wonderful visit. Enjoy your lazy (and hopeful productive) days ahead. Happy new year!

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a wonderful time away you had with your daughter and Son-in-Law, and now back home to your blissful home. Your view of the pond and poppies makes my heart go pitter patter, Kim. I wish I could sit and enjoy a cup of tea and a treat with you, and see your beautiful quilt. Happy New Year blessings to you!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Happy New Year !!! I wish you all the best for 2017 !!!
    I like city but I love countryside. Your photos are gorgeous !!! LOVE the pink puppies !!!!!!!!!
    Big hug for you !
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  23. Whenever I see a new post of yours pop up, I grab a warm cup of coffee and enjoy my read! Your little place in the world is blissfull Kim and I'm so glad you share it with us! Enjoy your summer with no obligations....

    ReplyDelete
  24. Your gorgeous garden and those beautiful poppyfield! It looks like a fairyland.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you; sometimes I feel as if I live in fairyland. =) Thank you so much for visiting my place. Have the most wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  25. I'm so grateful to you for sharing such a gorgeous post, dearest Kim, I'm so in love with your poppies !

    Hope your New Year is off to a good start,
    I'm sending blessings on the remainder of your week

    With love

    Xx Dany

    ReplyDelete
  26. A very Happy New Year Kim!
    Beautiful photo's, you have had a very nice holiday.
    Its a joy to read your lovely post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Loes and a wonderful and happy new year to you, too. It is a delight to have you pop by....thank you, lovely lady. Kim Xx

      Delete
  27. Kim, what beautiful scenery! Love the ocean & shore. Nice to see the flowers and it is always lovely to see your handiwork & tea.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh my, not only have I not ever seen poppies in such a pretty color, but so many of them at once! It is breathtaking! I do envy you your 6 weeks of bliss in the warm weather. We hope to be there in about 6 weeks. It is in the 20's here now. The pictures of your vacation are gorgeous! I do want to visit Australia someday....I guess you could say it is on my bucket list!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Happy Happy New Year, Kim! My spirits are lifted with all the wonderful views of loveliness you have shared with us in this post! Enjoy every second of the next 6 weeks of summer bliss!
    Happy stitching and relaxing!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Such a beautiful post, the city your kids live in looks amazing and wow you were high up there. Although the city looks amazing I am more of a country gal myself and your place just looks like heaven and with the quilting in hand just perfect :) I so enjoyed seeing all the flowers, just lovely, as I sit here looking out at white snow.
    Wishing you a lovely weekend and enjoy your 6 weeks of relaxing and creativity :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. omgoodness!! lovely views everywhere!! and from me, t's just wonderful to see so many pretty flowers this time of year - i am looking at a dusting of snow but i do love it!!!

    the poppies are such a beautiful color that is new to me!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I'm glad you had such a lovely holiday. Your city pictures are amazing. I love your beautiful garden and countryside even more though. I hope you have a very happy Summer holiday :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Oh, I feel just like Dorothy in the 'Wizard of Oz', transported to a magical place with golden beaches, the Emerald City, and fields full of poppies and trees with coats on! I half expect to see Toto under the table! Truly a magical world and a feast for the eyes on a snowy winter's day here in the North woods. Your quilt has the prettiest fabrics and your tea looks so lovely. Enjoy these lazy summer days - they go by so fast! Thank you for your kind visit and dear condolences. Hugs xo Karen

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hello, Such pretty photos you have shared. So thankful you enjoyed your visit and oh, what a blessing to be surrounded by God's beauty in your own yard. I wish you a very pleasant week.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Beautiful view of the city. have a wonderful new year ahead!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. Wishing you too, a most wonderful new year!

      Delete
  36. Wow Kim! What extraordinary views of the city! Sounds like a wonderful visit with your daughter and son-in-law!I agree that wine and cheese are wonderful! If I can find a bread and cheeseboard on a menu when we are out, I usually order it! An endless pot of tea is also high on my list of favorite things! I'm in the process of catching up with all the blog posts I missed over the holidays! Enjoy your wonderful summer days! Can't wait to see all that you accomplish! xo
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  37. What a feast for my eyes! Both the city views and the poppies. You truly are blessed to have such a wonderful holiday with family and such pretty views. Thank you for sharing with us. And Yes today day is a good day to have a good day.

    ReplyDelete
  38. How gorgeous!!! Beautiful photos, great post and lovely blog. Happy New Year! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy New Year to you, too, Linda. Thank you for popping in to my place. Have the most wonderful week at your peaceful place. Kim Xx

      Delete
  39. I can't help but make the comparison to all of the high-rises where your daughter lives to your beautiful and peaceful abode in the country. Although the big tall buildings next to the beautiful sea shore is quite stunning. I must say that I would take your little corner of the universe any day! What a peace you must have living there. And those poppies...oh my word!! HUGS to you, sweet friend!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Happy New Year, Kim!
    Wonderful photos! Breathtaking beautiful along the coast. I am glad you had such a lovely visit with your daughter and son-in-law.
    Also glad the warm summer days have arrived and you are filling them to the brim with the things you love to do, surrounded by the beauty of poppy fields and your wonderful garden. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Oh my, I feel as if I just visited paradise with you! The incredible vistas you have surrounding your home with the poppies, and the gorgeous pond, and seating area outside that you have, oh my! Delightful indeed! And what a lovely time you had with your daughter, I have to say those views made me a little dizzy just looking out from your view, oh my! Such a lovely time you had, what a blessing! Enjoy your time off... lists don't really matter in the summer... just relax and enjoy the beauty around you, now that is important :) Hugs to you dear friend!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Both views are spectacular, Kim!! A field full of poppies is Monet-esque indeed! I am sitting here reading your lovely post while enjoying a cup of cappuccino DH just made for me, imaging I am sitting right beside you. Quilting, eating and enjoying such a lovely view. Life is good :)

    -Soma xx

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love to see great fields of flowers. I have pink peony poppies that grow everywhere and they are beautiful to see. What a wonderful place you have to sit and enjoy the outdoors.

    ReplyDelete