It’s been about 4 years since we have had a day/night off from parenting (February 2011). Sure, we have had days off separately and Martin a night or 2 as well but not a night or day off together. And as much as we love our kids a day of being grown ups without snot, whining, nappy changes, small people disputes, constant requests for food, slobbery kisses and choking cuddles has been desperately needed for quite some time. Our wedding anniversary this year fell on Easter Sunday and we had a wonderful day with guests, a gourmet breakfast and lots and lots of eco conversation but we had been eagerly awaiting yesterday since about a week before Easter.
What was so special about yesterday? Well, a very dear friend offered to take our kids to her place for the day and give us a day to ourselves. 🙂 Then earlier in the week she upgraded us to first class and offered to take the kids, all 3 of them, overnight. 😀 It meant that she and her husband were caring for 6 kids under 6! Well, we ummed and ahhed for a day or so as it’s the first time Allegra has slept away from home and Orik too (he is still breastfeeding) so it wasn’t something we could just say yes and not think about. We decided though that it was well worth a try and plans were set.
So, with permission to be adults for a day with no little people around whom to navigate we headed off for lunch at Captains Creek Organic Winery, located about 30 minutes drive from Ballan in Blampied. They also grow many of their own fruits and veggies and the rest of their food is sourced locally too. I’m not a drinker so I got stuck into the verjuice which I must say is absolutely delicious, either straight (almost like drinking a dessert wine without the alcohol) or mixed with mineral water for a very refreshing spritzer style drink. Martin tasted the local wines but is a fan of the slightly warmer climate wines like Shiraz (Sirrah) so opted for a Heathcote Shiraz which, although not organic, was delicious (yes I had a sip 😉 ). We shared a pumpkin soup and a whipped feta and Captains Creek olive platter for entree and then the tasting plate for two for our main, with deli meats from just outside Trentham, cheese from Ballarat and the rest from Captains Creek farm. I had a decadently large slice of hazelnut chocolate cake to take away for dessert too and we’ve come home with a bottle each of wine and verjuice. Eating a meal like that without the kids was a most satisfying experience. We didn’t have to share! 😀
After I had dropped the kids off earlier in the morning I’d swung into Garden of St Erth in Blackwood on my way home, grabbing a louquat tree, more broad bean seeds and a book (more on that book later 😉 ) and had asked about a Ballerina Apple tree as I would have liked very much to buy one for my Mum for Mothers Day (which is today in Australia for those that celebrate on different days) and although they didn’t have any they suggested visiting Newlyn Antiques which also boasts a heritage apple nursery (and other plants too of course) which I figured I would visit at some stage. Well, as we drove to Captains Creek via Mollongghip (the back roads) I saw a sign saying 5km to Newlyn. Well, being so close we couldn’t pass up the opportunity and having a husband that tolerates my frequent changes of plan loves my spontaneity we popped in there after lunch. Well! A gorgeous old cottage built around 1857 by Cornish immigrants (my family, the Varcoe’s, are of Cornish descent from the Newlyn area too 🙂 ) absolutely full of everything from old tools, mirrors, paintings, cup and saucers, cutlery, books, toys, furniture and more and what appears to be a church and hall further filled with cutlery, crockery, furniture and other wonderful treasures like a Vietnam army officers uniform (Warrant officer I think), a collection of tobacco pipes, jewelry, clocks, crystal-ware and so much more. 1800’s to 1950’s! Simply wonderful. 😀
After we gorged ourselves on old wares we headed out into the nursery. Well! I must say that one of the most beautiful times to visit a nursery with apple and pear trees is in Autumn. The colours in that garden are spectacular! And I use the word garden loosely as it was a wonderful hybrid of nursery and garden all mixed together. And heritage apples too! I even saw medlar apples in fruit on the tree. 🙂 And a cider apple too! 😀 Bare rooted trees will be available from about 3 or so weeks and I have been assured by John that if I return in about 6 weeks I will be able to see their full range of bare rooted trees including Ballerina apples. I have their information sheets to work through and decide which I want and not much time in which to plan it out. Apples will be the main fruit trees to go into our food forest garden, with some of the stone fruits, pears, figs and olives too. John and Fay stock them all! 😀 I am one VERY happy shopper and the best bit is, I haven’t spent a cent… Yet!. 😛
After 2 glorious hours we headed home, without a ballerina apple sadly. They did have 2 in stock but they’re in rather large plain terracotta pots and I’d prefer to pot up my own in a pot suited to their decking area where the tree will live, so I’ve spoken to Mum and told her that if she is happy to wait for 6 weeks I can better source her gift and at a fraction of the price too. She knows that money is tight these days (for us all hey). She is looking forward to the anticipation for the next 6 weeks though. 🙂
Once we arrived home Martin fired up Ignito, his new converted old hot water tank wood heater he’s bought for the shed but who is still standing in the garden, in order to cook some spuds in jackets for dinner. I fried up some bacon on Ignisa and with some raw organic butter and kefir cheese and we ate our dinner whilst watching The Breakfast Club before bombing out for an early night. I call that a perfect date night. 🙂
No photos sadly, we were having too great a time to stop and think to take any.
Rabid Little Hippy 
And about time too!
Sent from my iPhone
Aye, but that’s the way life goes sometimes hey. 🙂
And didn’t you completely enjoy it all the more because you HAD that crazy mixed up topsy turvy tumble of hoppers to remind you that you really are alive? ;). Glad you had a ball guys and enjoyed your day to yourselves and your meal sounds amazing and that heritage garden and museum, also amazing 🙂 The stuff that future posts are made of 🙂
Absolutely. A day off from 3 kids is worth its weigh in gold and we made sure we enjoyed it all. 🙂
And yes, Newlyn antiques and nursery will earn itself a post, as will my new book. 😀
Can’t wait to see your new book! I picked up a permie book at the progressive garage sale for 50c…BARGAIN! 😉
I so wish I could come over to your progressive garage sale. It sounds amazing.
It was pretty good but a lot smaller than last year. I did get heaps of stuff for only $22 total including a cray pot and a wrought iron bed head for $2 that I am going to turn into a garden gate (somewhere…). Might be time to actually “read” that permie book! 😉
What a perfect day! Glad you had that bit of time to yourselves; you’ll have lots later on, but for now a day or two here and there can make quite a difference. Makes you appreciate the choking cuddles, etc. all the more, doesn’t it?
You’ll have to do it again; with photos next time??
and I’d love to see a photo of Ignito, too! I’m picturing him, but would like to know if I’m right . . .
I’ve checked out Newlyn (good thing it’s out of range for me; just what I love and it’s not like I don’t have any of my own! I even have a small character jug of “John Peel” (don’t know if you remember that song, but I learned it back around grade 4 or so). I’ll be going back to look at the farm stuff and a lot of other things, too.
and that nursery!! (good thing it’s out of range, too; and that I don’t have anywhere to plant anything . . . heritage trees! I saw a winesap in there. I am drooling again; note to self; make a bib from a large bath towel to wear at the computer) 😉
Thanks for the vicarious trip; I loved it! ~ Linne
Both the antiques and plants were simply amazing. Should have known you would adore both with every fibre. 🙂
Yes, the hugs and dribbly kisses seem even more welcome after a day off although I’m no keener on the snot and whining. 😉 As they say, a change is as good as a holiday and we both feel much refreshed after our 24 hour holiday. 🙂
What a wonderful day! I’d love to check out that vineyard. The tasting plate sounds delicious!
With a title of Adults Only i was onto the mouse like lightening thinking i was going to open and enjoy a very enlightening post. No Fair.
It all sounds like fun for all and i am sure the kids enjoyed it too though they will probably try their best to blackmail you so you are extra attentive to their needs and because you are feeling slightly guilty. They are masters of the game, believe me.