I had such a great time with finding my last 5 Things That Made Me Smile This Week, that I’ve decided to do it regularly. It does me good to sift through a weeks worth of experiences and pluck out a few treasured moments that brought happiness into my life. So here goes!

1. Finding a lovely old tree covered in wisteria.

Bear and I were out running errands this weekend and one of the places we stopped was a farm way out in the boonies. All around us was bush filled with the usual array of gum trees, but one of those gum trees was positively dripping with these lavish wisteria blossoms. Isn’t it marvelous?

wisteria

2. These faces.

I can’t get enough of them. One moment they’re spazzy and awkward as they run and leap like mad off logs, rocks, and each other, and the next they’re cuddled up in a furry heap snoozing happily.

baby goat faces

3. Dark Chocolate Truffle Ice-Cream bars.

Yesterday was a scorcher, the first really hot day of Spring. It was wonderful to get in the shade and nosh on these decadent Magnum bars as we made plans for the farm.

Chocolate Truffle ice cream bar

4. Really Good Though Totally Not French Food.

Let me explain. Whilst Bear and I were out running errands in the boonies, we became ravenous. Not knowing the area at all I turned to the NavSat to choose a place for us. I looked up French restaurants, chose one that sounded good and off we went. Imagine my surprise when instead of a French restaurant, we pulled up to the Springwood Bowls Club! The only thing even remotely French on the menu was fries. 🙂

Undaunted (and starving!) we decided to give it a try, expecting the usual fish and chips type fare. Much to our delight it was actually GOOD! The very young chef, Joel Elliott, is a lovely, gentle soul who readily accommodated my gluten-free needs and served up steak, chips and salad. Normally I do not order steak at a restaurant because I nearly always find it tough, dry, gristly, and disappointing. Joel did not disappoint, however. The steak was moist, tender and flavorful, the chips crispy and piping hot, the salad made of actual greens and veggies with a delicious dressing. We were so impressed. Not only was the food good, the service great, and the price fantastic, during our entire stay we were greeted by resident bowlers who made sure we were welcomed and looked after.

Wonky NavSat, you are forgiven for your lunacy.

Springwood bowls restaurant

5. Lucy

When I sold up everything and moved to Australia, I knew it would be a while before I could afford to replace things like cell phones, cars, and cameras that I had to leave behind. When I got really sick and wasn’t able to work much, the hope of those things receded into the distance.

It was hard, but I learned to do without and just focused on getting better and rebuilding a career based in Australia. It was a year before I could afford my first phone, but I tell you, I sure do appreciate it! I thought it would be ages before I could get a car again and contented myself with lots and lots of walking. 🙂

But I didn’t figure on Bear.

Turns out over the last two+ years he was secretly putting aside money each paycheck so he could surprise me with a car. I couldn’t believe it and promptly cried when he spilled the beans a few weeks ago. 🙂 We’ve both been through the wringer these past two years, dealing with visa and medical issues, and he thought it was high time we had something really good in our lives. Yep, he’s a luv.

So the past few weeks we’ve been discussing makes and models, driving to homes and farms all over Southern Queensland looking for something that fit our needs and budget.

This weekend we found her and brought her home – our lovely Lucy, a 1973 Classic Datsun 1200 Coupe. She’s in great shape for her age and although she’ll need a bit of TLC before she’s ready for the road, we love her. It’s so fun to work on her together, scrubbing her up, cleaning her out, sourcing parts, and getting her shipshape.

 

1973 Datsun 1200 Coupe

As you can imagine, my heart is rather full this week, feeling a mix of gratefulness and love and a whole lot of emotion. It’s been a roller coaster ride these past few years, and it is amazing to be in this place of peace, healing, and hope.

What things gave you a smile this week?