Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow.

Snow falling in our street.














Snow on the paddocks near Carlsrhue.














First Woodend exit, where did Mt Macedon go.














Car coming from Woodend near Kyneton.













Sleepy Snowman.













Its snowing! Today we woke to the text messages from locals spreading the word that snow was on the way. Sure enough by mid morning the rain started to move in slow motion and swirl around a little bit. We were looking forward to a day in town working and catching up with family, but by the time we got to the first Woodend turn off we were getting a little nervous about travelling home later this evening. With more snow forecast we headed for Kyneton to stare wistfully out the window and sip our cups of tea.

Home Made Bread & Winter Hats

Growing Up

Our little man is growing up. He's sitting up, eating everything that can be mashed or pureed, and bordering on crawling (he's going to be such a handful in this house). We're all well, managed to pretty much shake our bugs, and we seem to be putting up with our first winter in this chilly part of Victoria, we might even be enjoying it. There is apparently snow in Daylesford this morning, which means there's probably snow in Trentham, very exciting. We've had regular rain, but not heaps of it and water storage's don't seem to be moving to quickly out here, so it looks like stage four for another summer.

Champs is such a wonderful mother, Otis loves filling his days in her space, the two of them giggle their way through the days. She's been baking Cakes ( for Dad's Birthday ), Savory tarts, pies & loads of soup every other day. Her days are still pretty long, as as well as Otis is going with his settling, he's not sleeping for long periods. Hope all are well and look forward to seeing you in our neck of the woods or yours soon.

The Firmans Visit

Today we had the pleasure of a visit from Maddy, Marley and Tash. Although a bit chilly, Kyneton managed to turn on a suitable outdoor day for a quick hide and seek session in the garden (which is very wintry, but very green, lots of rain). The girls were very sweet with little Otis, and he was beat when they left, all that female attention is a bit much for a man.

Do you like my hat ?

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Hi all, few pics of our little man in his new jumper, trackies and hat from Nan, very Kyneton (in the middle of winter). Pic from our visit to Geelong to see Nan & Pop a month or so ago.

Well winter is certainly hear and so far try as it might, it hasn't managed to ruin our time here in Kyneton. With all the events of the last few weeks, it has been a blessing to be able to enjoy the space and the beauty of our part of the world, and as Christie has eluded to the daylight only gets longer from here.

A few markets to get to this weekend including Trentham - as long as its not coming in sideways, but if it is we can always find a spot next to the scotch oven at "red beards' in Trentham. Its been a bit woolly, but its a great excuse for soup, stew and pies & redwine (not all at once).

Enjoy your weekend everyone, keep your loved ones near. J

Strange Times

Couple of pics, Otis in his beautiful knitted hat and jumper (which he needs - 7 degrees the other day ) which was made with love by Judy. Otis and his new trick, sitting up un aided.

Its been a very strange couple of weeks since we all touched base. I was sick, then Champs was sick, then Otis got sick, then I got better, then Champs got better, then Otis got worse, then I got sick, then Champs got sick, and finally Otis is getting better.

Lots of events on today the 20th of June.

We wish Ruthie (Nan) the very best of 80th birthdays, and all our thoughts will be with you up in sunny Canberra.

We wish little Coco Reno up in Byron the happiest of 3rd birthdays, we hope its full of magic.

Finally, on a sad note, today we say goodbye to our beautiful Ina (Nan) who passed away on Friday in peace. Her simple joy will be dearly missed. godspeed xx j

Smiths in FNQ

We were very privileged when away to have some photo's taken by Nick's brother in law Paul. We're so grateful for him to give up a little bit of his holiday time to give us such great mementos of our first little Smith family holiday. A few of our favorites below.

Family holiday in FNQ

how lucky are we to have spent 10 days in divine port douglas FNQ.
A far cry from the chilly nights in country Kyneton.
Our friends Nick and Tanya were married and we were not to miss it for all teh tea in China.
A planned trip and our first family holiday.
Sylvia and Mike also on vacation, joined by Carole and Barry Hynes who are such good family friends. Mum was the celebrant to marry Nick and Tanya and did a truly magical job.


3pm, still, warm afternoon sun beaming towards the point where we gathered, surrounded by amazing milky skies, pale glistening waters and layered mountains, I doubt there are many locations in the world more beautiful.
Tanya arrived by boat, her brothers carried her ashore over the rocky beach. tears loomed in everyones eyes.
the feast afterwards was truly amazing. seafood to die for. I was very excited and felt spoilt.

So Josh, Otis and I spent our days in the sun strolling, eating, lazing by the pool and chatting to friends and family also there for the wedding. It was lovelty to stay in accommodation where others to enjoyed company. Nick's 2 sisters Lonnie and Vanessa were such great company along with their partners and Bella.

The Sunday market is a favourite. Multi talented locals display their crafts. anything from Daintree grown rare breed orchids to local mango icy poles.
The colours are green.....so many greens, so alive and vivid. The vegetation strong and wild. The air sweet and sticky.

We did sneak a look at the boathouse where we stayed last year on our 'romantic' vacation prior to the arrival of Otis.
But that's life and we are blessed with this incredibly beautiful, spirited little man.
Otis was a hit with all. Poolside and beyond. He is a real charmer and has a wicked smile and giggle. Only at 3am and many other times during the nights it somehow loses it's charm !!
Otis is eating pureed pears, sweet potato and apple and loving it.

Gorgeous friends Mischee and Reddog were there with their 2 monkeys Lena and Isabella. So nice to spend time with old friends. It was 16 years since I first met them and lived in Port.


We are happy to be home and have nestled in well to the very cool nights and the totally different skyline, smell, colour and atmosphere of our new town.
Farmers markets are on every weekend where we purchase local produce. The wood fire is going and we are rugged up in woolies.

love to all.
xx


















Sunday market relaxation.
















Habitat wildlife sanctuary. Otis and I explore
















Reddog, Mischee, Nick and us.






















kicking back in the hired help

















not overly keen on the pool

















what a beach!

Country Nights

Autumn is well and truly settled in here in Kyneton. Plenty of Ash's turning their beautiful strong shades. Not allot of news here from 'sleepy hollow'. The natives are friendly, and the weather has been at its best ( beside the perennial lack of rain ). Last weekend was spent poking around the area, as well a a trip to Red Beards in Trentham, and a wander past our little plot of land.

Days consist of me working, either here or in the city, Champs looking out for the Otis, who is about as predictable as a greyhound. In her spare moments, walking cooking, and befriending the native fruit, flour, wine, coffee, book & meat sellers. She has been cooking, and made the most amazing apple tea cake today ( very CWA ), which was dismembered well before I thought to take a photo.

A couple of the photo's attached are from this evenings walk. There was a beautiful autumn chill in the air. The sun was setting, and all was nice and peaceful. The exact moments, I think, that we have come here to experience. The more time we're spending here the more it fits. Hope all is well. x J

we just feed him and he grows!
















Just around the corner from our house.

The nearby coliban river in its autumn glory.

House Guests & Sunshine

What a beautiful Easter long weekend. We had many visitors this weekend. Beck (friday/saturday), Mike & Sylv' (Monday/tues), Caro & Jay (Monday) & A Chook (Thursday).

We had beautiful sunshine and got out and about to see more of this little part of the world we find ourselves in. We went to Trentham to red beards bakery and got our hot cross buns cooked in the scotch oven. We went to a little coolroom shop out the back of a house in Musk called istra for some beautiful small goods, and to cap it of we visited zig zag rd wines on the way home.

We had a lovely quiet couple of days in the garden which has been bathed in sunshine, beautiful warm days, but admittedly the nights are getting chilly. The garden is greening up thanks to a bit of rain a few weeks ago, although it wont be long until it needs it again.

Otis is growing so quickly, and is adorable. The country air seems to agree with him.
In fact I think its agreeing with us all. We all seem a little more relaxed.

The town certainly seems to have all we need, with one significant omission - the bottle shops are appalling. I can see a monthly trip to see Barry & Tim ( Carlton Cellars ) to get ourselves a mixed dozen.