These little tykes, Jewel and Gem, are new additions to the farm menagerie. They are happy to be patted, and the kids were even able to feed the furry calves their milk in 'bottles' - plastic milk cartons with rubber teats attached.
We wandered down to the orchard and picked some sun-warmed grapes to eat. Laura and Ben checked the chook pen for eggs, and each of them took turns to hold Caramel (one of the chooks). We ate lamingtons for morning tea (for those of you not familiar with this Aussie sweet delight - lamingtons are pieces of sponge cake, encompassed in chocolate icing, and rolled in coconut). At lunchtime, Joe barbecued sausages and hamburgers, which we ate in buns with coleslaw, lettuce, tomato, beetroot, and tons of barbecue sauce. The juices dripped between my fingers as I ate, and I politely licked up the mess.
Later, we filed down to the creek, and Laura and Ben scooted about on their boogie boards, investigating nooks and crannies. A watersnake scared the pants off everyone by suddenly darting towards us as we waded in the shallows; everyone threw small stones into the water in front of it and it dived, no doubt perplexed by our panicking.
We returned to laze about on Mum & Joe's wide front veranda, chatting and drinking my sister's magical homemade punch. My sister pulled a grey hair from my head, despite my (admittedly feeble) protests. I plaited my sister's hair, then undid it, then plaited it again. Everyone teased Ben about his freaky front tooth - a baby tooth being pushed out and forwards by a new tooth, causing the old tooth to poke out sideways and upwards. My husband Fatty peered through his binoculars, spotting for birds.
When we left there were hugs all around, and everyone was smiling. We couldn't help it - we'd just had the happiest Australia Day on record.
12 comments:
Belated Happy Australia Day, Jelly. Ours was a lovely day as well. I love calves. My daughters always had pet calves when they were young. We were farming at the time, what better pet...along with cats, dogs, birds, horses....
What a gorgeous way to spend the day. I feel like I was there with you all thanks to your evocative writing.
I like your description of a happy day with mouth-watering food.
Glad you are back to blogging again.
Jellyhead,
Those family gatherings can bring the highest of highs to the day, and you made the most of it I see. Happy Australia day to you all. I know it's late but it does take a few days for the mail to get half way 'round the world. What's that you say? Doesn't apply to email? Darn, Oh well it was worth a try. ;)
rel
What a wonderful description of a beautiful day with family. So, here's a belated Happy Australia Day to you all. Sounds like you had a great day. If I had any long hair, you could come to frozen Kentucky to braid mine.
a finger-licking good blog post, just like your lunch!
Looks and sounds like it was a fantastic day enjoyed by all - maybe not the snake though. Poor Ben - tooth still causing him grief?
aww, Jelly, that sounds like an absolutely wonderful day!!!! We have about 5 inches of snow here in my yard in western KY. I think my mom might have more
What a lovely lovely day for you all! I could feel those soft warm calves. What a nice chook Caramel must be, to allow cuddles.
I loved feeding the bobby calves, but my favourites were the little orphan lambs.
It's is just so nice to get together with family. I am glad that you enjoyed your day! We forget here, on the other side of the earth, that you are in the mist of summer!
What a perfect day, Jelly. So glad you all enjoyed it together.
I love a friendly calf. That used to be one of my jobs when we had the cows...feeding the calves.
There's nothing quite like barbecued Aussie sausages, hamburgers with everything..including beetroot...oh, and lamingtons for morning tea. Salivating here.
Please say hello to dear Jellyma for me :)
I can tell that your day is well spent. A very exciting day to top it all. Hope you are having a wonderful week as always.
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