The Last Day of Winter

Tip Toe through the Tulips

The view at work is stunning at the moment!

Out the Back ...

We have been getting 3 eggs a day lately. Our Orpington is not far off laying again, after a heavy moult, and Happy Feet, one of the Hy-Lines is now getting all new feathers underneath, so I'm guessing she won't be too far behind.

We had our first lime off the tree, still plenty of lemons and passionfruit. Tomatoes are coming along. Tons of cherry toms, kale and beans.

And I was happy to see the first of the Jasmine open today that we planted over the trellis. The smell is divine.

Adding to the edible garden

Yesterday we planted a mandarin tree and a grape vine. We put them both in the chook yard to make the most of the wonderful soil that the chickens create. Perfect for growing fruit and veges. Of course, we had some very important helpers.

Swan Valley Wagon Trails

It's nearing the end of the school holidays now, and with it forecast to be a beautiful mid-winters day today, I booked in for the girls' and I to do this fabulous wagon trail in our beautiful Swan Valley. I then asked a friend if she and her girls' wanted to join us, and they did! Both our partners are away, so it's nice to have friends to spend outings with and this is a really really good one. It was recently voted number 1 tourist attraction in the Swan Valley. We did the morning tour, which took around 3.5 hours visiting a winery with tastings of local produce. We tried dukkah, several olive oils, olives, raisins, fresh oranges, honey, relishes, pickles and jams. The adults enjoyed the wine tastings and the kids were entertained during this time with colouring-in and ice cream! We visited the oldest church in WA with its beautiful grounds and stunning view. Then onto a favourite of ours - Oggies ice creamery and English lolly shoppe! Our host Ross was very knowledgeable of the Swan Valley and we learnt alot, the kids were well behaved and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. They want to go again! Toffee, the beautiful Clydesdale was calm, even when large trucks were passing us! So if you are looking for something to do in the Swan Valley, I highly recommend you check them out!
You can read more about them here

Toffee awaits us in the mid winter sun

The girls took turns at sitting at the front

cute bunnies also enjoyed the mid winter sun

local bee hives

The girls' enjoyed picking fresh citrus

Everyone loved to pat Toffee

Horses around the winery waiting for a pat ...

and a bit of a new hairstyle

Kate was excited to spot this van!

Waiting for the taste testing to begin

Our wine tasting host

more cuddles

The girls' loved it when Toffee got up a bit of speed through thick mud

Off to the church

Ross explains the heritage

Ice cream time!

The final journey home

Deep in thought ...