My new bike

Look what I found when I arrived home from work yesterday!!
My husband and I pass a cycle shop on our walks.  At Christmas time a bike like this was in the window with sold sticker attached.  I used to stop and fantasize about cycling at Low head(as it's very flat and a safe cycle path all the way to George Town along the rivers edge).
My dear husband must have ordered this or spotted another.
I shrieked with delight when I saw it and can honestly say it was the happiest moment in a very long time.  I think as wives and mothers we spent huge amounts of energy making other people happy and to be on the receiving end of such a gift is something I will always remember and appreciate. I couldn't believe it.
I loved cycling as a girl and had a bike when we were first married. It was replaced by a pram!! 
I will find a basket for the front, pack our thermos and cycle along the river as often as I can.  (my husband has a nice bike)
This cycle is called an Amsterdam by Electra.  Not sure of a name for her.
Any suggestions?

Lunch catch up

A perfect escape for lunch and a catch up with my friend Anne today.
This beautiful old building was once a tannery, now a fantastic cafe near Longford.  The room is is an eclectic mix of antique and vintage furniture, beautiful prints of far away cities, candles, a roaring fire and a friendly dog.
The food was tasty and beautifully cooked.  A great selection of wine and very good coffee. 
The garden is beautiful.  All in all a great place to visit.  Reminded me of
Italy. 

Bathroom

Our old bathroom has been getting me down lately as it never looked clean no matter how much I scrubbed.  So a quick coat of paint and a recycled sink costing $30 later!
The lovely vintage towel from my dear friend Margaret and one of Tanyas soaps (suburban jubilee) add a touch of luxury.  Keeping all the usual clutter off the sink is another story.

Hope you're all having a nice weekend.

Pantry

This little room has been like this for 9 years!  It sits behind our kitchen and the original plan was to extend the bathroom into this space.  Lately however, our kitchen seems so short on storage we have decided to re create the pantry. 
The condition of our whole house was like this 9 years ago.  I don't think we could ever undertake such a renovation again. The pantry won't take long and I'm hoping lots of shelves to store things will be the result.  Il keep you posted. 

Birthday flowers from my work

The company I work for sends flowers on our birthday.  Today it's my turn and I want to share them with you.
When I started blogging I decided not to share personal stuff but I sometimes feel I miss sharing the best bits.
My little grand daughters birthday was yesterday, so we had a lovely evening with family yesterday.  I'm off to work now!! Have a good weekend.

Rescued rose

This lovely rose was destined for the rubbish heap and was but a twig when I popped it in beside our driveway.
It is such a pretty rose and probably from the 70s. 

Op shop finds

This week I had such fun catching up with a dear friend, op shopping.  We fantasize about our tea shop and the vintage style decor.  We imagine setting up a cottage with retro fittings. One we can rent to trendy holiday makers!
We laugh about the fact that we are needing to clean out our cupboards yet buy more "stuff". We think of the special people who treasured the objects we pick up and smile at the things that remind us of our Mothers.
In a very busy life, these little outings are so special and I can't wait to do it again.  This gorgeous Denby jug is for a lovely lady I've met through work.  She has Denby ware will love this little treasure.
Jugs are my favorite purchase. 
Linen is next. 
I wonder what you have found this week?