I cannot remember enjoying a winter more than this one. Right now the cold mornings, warm fires, afternoon sunshine, warming meals and long, dark nights just seem to fit perfectly with my state of mind. This is a little of what we can see in our paddocks right now.
Frost on dry grass and the sparkly light at sunrise.
Curious cattle.
Curious sheep.
These school holidays our children did not go to the movies, the shopping centres, the park or on any play dates. Instead they soaked up plenty of fresh air in the sheep yards.
When things get busy this is how we roll with morning smoko. The back of the ute becomes the table and warm food and hot drinks are savoured while everyone takes a breather from the cold wind, motorbikes and sheep work.
The last rays of sunshine after a freezing cold, windy day.
A pale winter moon rising above the red horizon.
Just after I snapped this photo the moon slipped behind those pretty clouds.
Are you enjoying winter or are you finding it tough?
Food always tastes better in the outdoors, doesn’t it?
Happy Friday, friends.
Kate @ Kate Writes
I love winter although I do find it a little tough standing in the playground some days.
I have fond memories of days in the sheep yards and smoko on the back of the truck as, no doubt, will your children wherever they might end up! xx
Jane S
So true Kate, stay warm! x
Cheryl
Winter was late to start in my neck of the woods, but now that it is here…brrrr…it's a cold one indeed, but it seems the whole state is affected at the moment!
Jane S
Yes indeed Cheryl, stay warm!
look see. by naomi fenton
I'm enjoying these cooler months to be honest – it has been very cold and frosty at either end of the day but we've had beautiful winter sunshine during the day. I much prefer those kinds of days to constant rain and wind – I'm sure we'll get our fair share of those again as the term starts next week for us! It's been surprising to hear there was snow in QLD!
Jane S
Amazing weather isn't it Naomi. I can only imagine what it is like in your part of the world!
Sophie Isobel
Oh Jane, what a beautiful post! I giggled at your link to 'smoko' and gasped at your incredible capture of the moon. It's so beautiful to see your winter days, I'm enjoying winter this year too and embracing the opportunity to be creative. xxx
Jane S
Thank you Sophie…as you might see in a comment further down some of my friends from around the globe are not familiar with smoko! Stay warm and enjoy those creative moments x
Anne
Looks good to me Jane. You have a smoko in the back of a ute – we have a tea break in the back of a pick-up.
Enjoying your winter days from the warmth of our summer. A x
Jane S
I think some things are universal Anne! x
aj.bart
I too am enjoying the brisk weather Jane. Such a nice contrast from those hot summer days that just sap my energy. I realise that I really do love the fact that we have 4 seasons where we live, something we forget when our supermarkets supply nearly all veg and fruit all year round. I grew up with summer fruit and veg in summer and winter in winter! A granddaughter asked me the other day about oranges and the seasons….the when and wheres! Love your photos.
Jane S
Thanks Annie…so true. Who wants grapes in winter anyway, not me, especially when they are imported from USA. But, that is another whole discussion! x
acoastalplot
What wonderful photos Jane. I'd never heard of a 'smoko' before – very interesting link, thanks. I so enjoy reading your posts. It's summer here, although it's not particularly warm, windy and cloudy! My kids break up for the six-week summer holiday next week and we're looking forward to some free-form days and creativity. Sam x
Jane S
Thank you…I am pleased I decided to link the word smoko as I believe it is a very Australian term! Enjoy those free-form days and creativity. I really appreciate your thoughtful comments x
Zara
I'm loving Winter. The rugging up to go out, lighting the fire of an evening, the bed layered with woollen blankets. Plus all the baking and cooking by the warmth of the stove.
Beautiful photos Jane. x
Jane S
It is nice isn't it Zara…my preference over 40+ degrees any day x
passionfruitgarden.com
Jane, I love winter. Summer is way too long here.
Jane S
Thanks Glenda, I agree, summer is way too long.
Paula
Making me homesick Jane. Loving the photos – missed shearing. There really is something about eating in the wide open spaces isn't there…xx
Jane S
Goodness I am missing you Paula, take care x
Joolz
I will take winter over summer anyday. I love the warming foods we can make and nights by the fire are lovely.
I ordered and received my cane bannetons this past week now I need to find time to get a loaf of bread into them!
Jane S
Good luck with the baking Joolz!
cityhippyfarmgirl
Food does taste better out doors… tea, coffee, cake, everything tastes better, even vegemite sangas taste better outside.
Winter today is absolutely fine. A top of 16, sunny and gorgeous blues down by the beach where we were this morning. Yesterday though, sheesh…so damn cold. Cold to the bones.
Have a good week, what ever you get up to Jane. Enjoy those beautiful fires and frosty mornings.
Jane S
Thank you Brydie, you enjoy your week too!
Life's a shoe
Gorgeous photos! I would love to expereince winter in my country but unfortunately, we are in the tropics, so absolutely none of that!!
lifeisashoe
Jane S
Wow…the tropics is such a contrast to our environment!
e / dig in hobart
I find the depths of a tassie winter tough – it is months and months of dark and cold. many of us get the winter blues.
your life is so grounded and real – I think your children are blessed not to go to the movies and malls and so on. you as adults are too! sometimes i think modern life is nothing but distractions; when i am in my garden, digging or sowing or just pottering, I think, this is life, isn't it? water and soil and living things? thank you for your beautiful photos.
Jane S
I cannot blame you for getting the winter blues e, your winter is so extreme compared to ours! Thank you for your thoughtful words as always.
almostitalian
A beautiful country post Jane. I love to see kids outdoors experiencing all seasons and sounds. I am still on the road in Queensland: a cold old Melbourne awaits my return, as do my son and his family. We will go from two to six, and I hope to get the young boys out in the paddocks too.
Jane S
Thank you Francesca, safe travels.
Chantille Fleur
I can feel the cold through your photos Jane, that frosty grass! I always find food packed for a picnic lunch always tastes better. I used to love eating sandwiches on long roadtrips as a child, they always seemed to taste better for some peculiar reason 🙂
Love your woolly sheep and beautiful cattle.
Stay warm,
Sarah x
Jane S
Thank you Sarah…I know you appreciate these things! x
Frances Simple
Absolutely love those pics Jane! It looks so cosy, natural and relaxt. Just beautiful!
Jane S
Thank you so much for your kind words Frances, I appreciate you calling in.
frogpondfarm
Jane, such beautiful images … Your words are lovely too. Takes the reader on a journey. Food always tastes better outdoors – That's probably why I love beach picnics 😀 It was fab seeing you at Frog Pond Farm the other day thanks for stopping by.
Jane S
Oh I would love a beach picnic Julie, thank you!