Gardens and. . . . Wine

gum trees overpower the
landscapes in the hills

Viburnum

Mount Lofty gardens are just about a five minute drive but the hours of opening are shorter now that the time has headed back an hour (We remain on a 1/2 hour difference from our neighboring states). I won't be able to get to the gardens in time to take a walk after work for awhile. Now I will have to find the Japanese Gardens in town close to the school.

I secretly followed the monks around and took photos of the monks taking photos. They knew exactly what I had in mind even though I snuck around like a spy. They thought it was very funny when we finally met. 

 And the seasons, they go round and round, the rhododendrons fade and drop at this time of year.  Seasons and weather are often spoken in passing especially on a perfect 27c day like today. I am glad to be living in a part of the country that does have a change of seasons and also hot, warm, cool, wet, and windy spells. What would it be like to begin the day with the morning calendar routine chanting the: hot or hotter like in some parts of Australia? My biggest fear coming here was the extreme heat and we have had a few days, but not nearly as many as we would experience in July at home. When putting the daily weather on the calendar we learn warm and cloudy or hot but rainy are quite possible. Cool factors in plenty. I must think about ordering wood (which is as dense as a brick). I keep hearing how chilly the hills can get. It is much less humid here than in most places in Australia which I truly appreciate, and so does my hair. But, um, really my hair never cooperates.

Heather is my day-tripping
fair dinkum buddy.

Bring on the Reds of Autumn and the Red
wines on colder days. 

After visiting the Bird in Hand winery Heather and I stumbled upon a private party and crashed, but we were welcomed and encouraged to stay for awhile. Wine tasting has never been such a generous occasion. The Shiraz had an abundance of fruit sensations and gripping tannins.  It was a family owned farm/vineyard with friendly brothers making and distributing their label. We left with a gift of grapes just picked and a just opened bottle of Chardonnay. We were told that it was so popular in the 80's but fell out of style. Growers here are bringing it back without fermenting in certain oak barrels which lead to wine-induced headaches. It was toasty and creamy and even better as it was a gift to take home.

Apples are about to come into season and the hills have many orchards or
sheds for selling many  varieties. I have a few invites to go apple picking.
 Perhaps I will introduce "Appling Day" at the school. 

We drove back to Heather's in town through the back hilly long-cut.
It was well worth it when we encountered a terrific sunset and the night lights of the city. 

Then Heather shared her gourmet Indian meal. I must learn to
make her risotto and the above amazing feast. 

I bought a bike, had one lovely ride up the River Torrens, and like a drongo let it get nicked. When I discovered it was gone I was so disappointed, but didn't go off like a bucket of prawns in the sun.

Up next: Tasmania.  I will be beyond the black stump beginning  the 16th. I will be cashed up, take my swag and bugger off.

Glossary:
'avago (have a go): give it a try
fair dinkum: honest, genuine
beyond the black stump: far from the city
drongo: stupid
swag: bedroll
cashed up: have visited the ATM
bingle- I have had two from chucking too many tight turns. Guess what they are.

Like we say in AU g'donya. Be in touch everyone, Please. I miss you all! Pam