After returning to Tarras a week ago to find the garden devasted by a vicious frost and long grass. It’s been a time to think ‘ What are we doing”

However, the installation of solar panels, a rather lovely hot tub with a stunning view and help from two extramely energetic young Germans, we are back on track and can tend to our tomatoes, vegetables, quite a few flower seedlings for the summer and a visit from our first Tui. (now two)

Viisiting Sydney was a fabulous week. To be fair. I can remember the beautiful architecture, gardens and the iconic landmarks that are so big you can’t miss them – Sydney harbour bridge and the Opera House, Darling harbour. But, other than that I can’t even recall where we stayed!!! I was 6 months pregnant with Richard and our time was followed by a week in Fiji lying on a beach which was preferable to city walking.

It was rather different this visit. We had an impressive step count each day and basically explored areas close to Bondi where are daughter Hannah now lives. Our Airbnb was a 5 min walk to the beach and cafes, 10 minutes up to Bondi Rd where a cluster of great restaurants provided us with Mexican, Middle Eastern and Italian dining experiences and 15 minutes to Hannahs apartment with its ocean view terrace perfect for a pre-dinner Gin and Tonic and evenings watching the fruit bats return to the trees.

We sussed the buses, trains, ferries and the occasional Uber. But, basically walked everywhere and I must say, feel so much better for it.

Our first afternoon meant we could walk the coastline Scuplture trail that closed the next day. From Rose Bay to Watsons Bay, Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach, the Sculpture trail, Botanical gardens and a spot of essential shopping. Weather wise Sydney didn’t quite meet our expectations and delivered only 2-3 full sunny days. The grey clouds hung about, but produced warm humid days.

I loved the architecture and the abundance of trees and foliage. The tropical like growth produces a lush canopy of huge trees and a rich mix of green shaded foliage, and is full of loud squawking bird life. By walking we could take it all in – but most of all enjoy the views of the harbour, the ocean and the stunning sandy beaches.

Australians love their beaches and when the sun shines they are packed from early morning until the evening. Surf Patrols are always present and it was so cool to see Bondi Nippers competing which reminded us of the many Sunday mornings we spent at St Clair beach with Matthew, Richard and Hannah.

The tracks are very busy with walkers and lycra shorts are definitely the uniform for this fit, health conscious community and I can see why so many flock here to keep fit and basically socialise.

It was great to have someone else plan our itinerary and Hannah had us fully immersed in her new lifestyle in Sydney. She planned walks, booked dinners in Surry Hills and Paddington and had suggestions when she was working .We were joined by Matthew, Kara and grandchildren Mia and Charlie during the week which meant we did cook a few meals. Mia’s request was to cook with Grannie and her choice was Fish Tacos. It was so much fun and our meal was delicious.

We had a perfect week away. We feel recharged and although eager to return to our garden were obviously disappointed with the frost damage that hit our garden during the week. Some trees will be lucky to come back from this and the Iris’s and Eremeris are done for this year .Thankfully we still need to plant most of our vegetables and the courgettes will be resown and startd again.

Our week in Sydney has been another example of making the effort when an opportunity arrives, enjoying the moment and seizing the chance to spend time with your family.

We didn’t do a lot of planning, although we did listen to Riley Knight’s Half Assed History Podcast on the history of Sydney which I can highly recommend.