After the launch of my book and completing the last of the radio and newspaper interviews, I’m slowly but surely getting back to normal life: laundry, animals, new writing projects, and cuddling ducklings whenever possible.

baby duck

Today I got to bake up a storm and do a Country Tea Party photo shoot and story. It was so much fun, especially because my hubby and our friends, Ann and Oma, showed up to help me feast out under the trees.

country tea party setting

We laughed hard and told stories and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves after working full steam ahead all day. Nothing like afternoon tea in the shade of a big tree to relax you in body and spirit.

After they left and the dishes were done, I went for a wander to check on animals and gardens and was thrilled to see my lilly pilly fruiting!

lilly pilly

Until this week, I’d only ever seen them in pictures, and never heard of them at all until I moved to Australia. They have such gorgeous little berries.

lilly pilly berries

Isn’t that color fantastic? I tasted my first ones today and am smitten. 🙂 They’re crisp and slightly tart and very refreshing. I don’t know what to liken the flavor to yet, but I will keep you posted.

lilly pilly berry

Have you ever had a lilly pilly berry before? What is your favorite kind of berry? xo