Blossom and the mountain...

With Blossom turning 20 later this month (can you believe that?) I'm more conscious than ever for the need to make special time 'just for us' before she's off into the big wide world and living a life without mum and dad.

Having her still living at home with us is precious indeed, but she will spread her wings sooner rather than later, and before we know it she'll be setting up her very own home and 'spur of the moment trips up the mountain' decided over an early morning coffee won't come so easily. So our theory is to make the most of them right now!

Yesterday she had a day off work, and I needed a break from my office and laptop, so away we went.

A relaxing 30 minute drive from home, then a winding cruise around and up the mountain till we turn right towards the Tea Rooms at Hervey's Range...

After the massive amount of rain the cyclone brought last month the pond has filled again and water lilies have sprung through in abundance...

The Tea Rooms are *old*, adding to the peaceful charm which causes us to return time and again...

We sit in the same room inside the old homestead each time we visit. Breakfast is good country fare, as are the views through the window...

We always take writing pads, pencils, magazines, stitching, and 'stuff' to inspire us for a few hours after breakfast, but these days together are especially good for us because we usually cannot get any phone reception on the mountain so we're never interrupted or distracted...we just chat about life, God, hopes and dreams, all the while drinking coffee and pots of tea and sampling simply made sweeties...

(I discovered this pattern for a pillow for Princess Sophie while ripping pages out of old magazines)

The Caramel Cream Tart was delicious with our Earl Grey tea...

I'd taken the Gratitude Bag with me for a photo shoot...

...but after the pictures were taken we decided to have another photo shoot with Miss Blossom as the star this time. Honestly, we laughed so hard I had trouble keeping the camera steady!