summer? really?

If you were magically teleported into Hobart right now, you'd be excused for thinking you were in the northern hemisphere. The only clue that it's summer is the broad daylight I'm greeted with at 5.45am. And the lush growth in the garden.

The weather has been cold, windy, rainy. The kind of weather that makes you want to stay indoors, light candles, watch movies, drink tea.

The weather made Saturday perfect for decorating the house with little furry elves, pretty angels and reindeer.

Our angelic advent calendar was inspired by this one. Each lovely angel has an instruction on the back. Some days, it's to unwrap a Christmas book. 

On Saturday, we were instructed to decorate the mantle piece. The little hand carved gnome is from my travels to Lithuania. He is so lovely and rustic, and I love the way the timber seems to glow. The vintage Kokeshi doll was a lucky find at a trash and treasure stall at Salamanca Market. The yellow candle is a left over from our wedding in 2004 and it sits on a mother of pearl coaster we bought on our honeymoon in Broome. The old printing press letters came from the wonderful Drill Hall Emporium.

Stephen's grandmother's rosewood box sits open with a crochet heart from Ness, and a lovely little felt deer. 

On Sunday, the angel declared that it was berry picking day. Obviously, she was not much of a weather forecaster, but with some equally crazy enthusiastic friends we set off for a nearby berry farm. In the pouring rain. 

Oesch was not daunted however. He loves a berry and this was his reaction when he spied the strawberry field...

They don't use any sprays on this farm, so I was quite comfortable letting the kids get right into it. 

We set to work filling our tubs.

And then headed off towards...

The CHERRIES! Don't they look luscious?

Poor Doots did not have a hooded raincoat and got a bit wet, and a bit upset, until she discovered the silvanberries, which, I discovered, are cultivated blackberries. They were gorgeous.

And those black, juicy little jewels cheered up a damp and miserable little Doots.

Once home, Oesch couldn't keep his hands off them.

Can't blame him really.

And even with all the pilfering going on, we still have enough for jam.

Oh, and if you got this far, thank you! I'm also guest posting at Emma's Frog Goose and Bear today, with a tutorial for her fantastic Simple Gifts for Girls series. Come over and see my dolly bedding from upcycled pillowcases and all the other wonderful handmade gift ideas that have been featured.

Have a great week,

x Sarah