Winter (but not as we know it)

In Australia the seasons run on a quarterly basis - Summer runs from December to February, Autumn is March to May, Winter is June to August and Spring is September to November. Because of this we expect the weather to march lock step with those dates. However it's not. We're now more than half way through June and the sun is shining, the birds are singing, people are wearing short sleeved tops. Whilst the weather is gorgeous we need the rain.

So, where has winter gone? I think it hasn't gone but climate change is having an effect and winter has just shifted back a bit further. Hopefully July will see clouds full of rain over the southern half of WA. Or not. We'll just have to wait and see.

Hot, hot, hot nights!

It's summer in the Southern Hemisphere and, true to form, we're in the middle of what feels like the annual Christmas/New Year's heatwave here in Perth.  The trick is to bunker down early, turn on the air con and fans and set your self up with what ever is your fancy - books, tv, games on the iPad (spot the guilty pleasure). Once the heat of the day passes it's wonderful to open up the house and do some outside things that during the day would have been really unplesant (gardening and hanging out washing come to mind).

This weather does make for glorious nights though.  Tonight we're celebrating the new year with friends in their gorgeous back yard. They used to have a dog but since Paddy went to the long paddock they have rejuvenated their back yard and now it is a productive little oasis! My friend is a fantastic cook so we will be feasting well, sitting on the cool lawn, looking at the stars.

We were meant to go and spend this new year with other friends "down south" but I've hurt my back and long car trips (or sitting down for long periods) is pretty much out at the moment. My down south mate is making me feel guilty, posting on Facebook how great it would be if we could be together. It would be great, and we will spend other new years eves together, but her posts let me know how much she loves me (and my hubby, too, of course!).

Last new years eve was spent with friends in Brisbane on their back deck. We cooked a Spanish feast that was meant to go for 4 courses but at the end of course 3 we threw our hands up because we were all full! We've recently seen those friends and reminisced about what a lovely evening we had.

We are so fortunate to have such wonderful friendships. They are what sustain us when the going gets tough.