“I’d choose truth over cake
but I’d try to find a way to get both to be honest.”
Craig Benzine

Storm clouds rolled in yesterday, instantly turning our day cozy. So we had to take time between projects for reading on the veranda, long distance chats with dear old friends, and roast chicken stuffed with sage and lemon.

Bear and I have been working on all sorts of farm projects this week, and have the cuts, bruises, and aching muscles to prove it. It’s worth it though, for we have newly built chook pens, freshly dug garden plots, and fences that keep in even the most determined goat escape artist.

We decided that our chook pens needed some climbing plants to protect our new White Sussex and Australorps from the fierce Aussie sun, so we bundled up and headed to our favorite nursery – Gardens Galore – to see what we could find.

brown iron birdI love the nursery in winter. It is quiet and peaceful, the russets and golds of winter replacing the riot of color that spring and summer bring.

red leaf vineWe loaded up our ute with buckets of jasmine for year round shade, and a couple of new vines I’d never heard of. Apparently they are quite marvelous for they grow quickly and create a hanging curtain of leaves that turn varying shades of vivid red. Can’t wait to see that! Especially in the glow of the setting sun.

wooden box of clay potsRed leaves make me happy. Always.

fallen red leavesAnd I might’ve fallen in love with this orange table and chair set. So darn cheery!

orange iron table and chairsThen Bear surprised me with an impromptu date in the Gardens Galore cafe. Love that man.

I tried my very first “Dutch” – a caramel latte topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. Oh my. It’s like a hug in a cup.

Dutch caramel latteAnd we could not say no to pieces of Banana Cream Cake. So moist, tender, with just a hint of spice. I think that from now on any time storm clouds roll in I will crave this cake.

banana cream cakeSuch a great way to end a busy day.

What is your favorite cake on a rainy day? xo