Specifically, with the in-laws, who not only cannot say no, but are guaranteed to offer a little sympathy, a home cooked meal and a sleep-in. Winning all round.
So we packed the bags, chose the DVDs {the best solution to long (ish) car trip ennui ever} and headed north for a few days.
North to the green rolling hills, red earth and amazing gardens.
North to family
North for a break.
Some time in my mother-in-laws amazing garden (she opens it as part of the Open Garden Scheme sometimes to lucky visitors).
Some time with the animals... our resting trotter, the chickens, the calves, the lambs.
Lots of time with the cousins (who we never see enough of).
Lots of muddy gumboot time, of running round the garden time.
Some fabulous new discoveries (a gorgeous gift shop in Penguin, fabulous coffee in Ulverstone and a great home wares shop in Devonport).
Two sleep ins!!!
A fabulous birthday dinner with friends we don't see often enough either.
The temptation to embrace the bucolic country life-style is always there after weekends like this. In perfect conditions the dream of our own little farm is seductive. I see myself with chickens, growing all my own vegies, being closer to the land... I forget my aversion to birds, the smell of manure and the hard, hard work that comes with being self sufficient.
We're the lucky ones. We can have the best of it and then come back home to all that is good here too. And I love being home (despite the coughs!)
How was your weekend?
Do you dream of a sea- or tree-change?
♥
