Shabby chic heaven

Despite it being bitterly cold this morning (which usually makes me feel like a bear with a sore head), I am very happy and contented.

I have learnt how to transfer calls from the unit to our home (don't worry ~ we then pay for the call, not the caller) which allows me to work from the comfort and relative warmth of my kitchen today.

This time two years ago, I was making preparations to spend 3 weeks in Australia, visiting friends who kindly offered to put me up and show me their (breathtakingly beautiful) corner of the world. Caroline and Patrick had sent me some pictures of both their house and garden, but nothing prepared me for the gorgeous space that they had created by the love and care that had been lavished on their wonderful home.

Sitting high in the Blue Mountains above Sydney, the house was picturesque and decorated top to bottom in vintage Laura Ashley fabrics and wallpapers. Caroline's considerable sewing skills had been put to good use making Austrian blinds, bedcovers, slip covers for chairs and every conceivable accessory that would make her home more beautiful. Coupled with lovely wooden furniture, it was shabby chic heaven.

I stayed for 11 days with Caroline and Patrick and then took a plane to Tasmania to see my life-long friend, Anna, who moved to Australia some 26 years ago and we have stayed in touch ever since. Anna is one of those friends whom I don't necessarily speak to very often, but when we do it is like we saw each other only yesterday. Our friendship is comfortable and warm, like an old pair of slippers.

Anna is also a creative person, her sewing skills were impressive even when we were teenagers and she too had created a beautiful home for herself and her family. With a scrubbed pine kitchen table, an Amish style quilt hung on the wall (handmade by Anna) and lots of pictures and artwork by her children all around, it had a cosy relaxed country feel.

After 3 weeks in the Australian summer sunshine, I came home to Wales's usual winter offerings... but it was nice to be home with Dave and Cecily once again and to know that I wasn't too far away from Alec should he need me.