| A perfect day |
 Autumn, in general, is my favourite time of year. We're in the middle of autumn now - like a gorgeous mid October day in North Carolina. It's nippy when the wind blows, but the sun is warm. You don't quite need a coat, but you do need a heavy cardigan, or "jumper" as the Aussies call them.
Dan and I had no plans for today, so we decided to go to the local market in Bowral and have a wander around. What Americans call "flea markets," the Aussies call "markets." You can find everything from fresh produce to old furniture and tools, to hand-crafted soaps and clothing. Even if you don't purchase anything, it's just nice to get out and have a wander around.
The markets are patterned after the old English ones. The sellers, and therefore the markets, wander from town to town. The first Sunday of the month finds one locally in our town, and on other weekends, the same vendors will be found in one of the neighbouring towns. It's a lovely tradition, and Dan and I often go just to get out and stretch our legs. Sometimes we'll find a gem like something for the kitchen, or handmade lavender soap made with local lavender.
There are usually several food stalls, as well, and we'll plan lunch around the food stalls. The local Arts and Drama school was running a food stall that was selling a traditional Aussie treat - sausage and egg rolls with fried onions. One of those will fill me up for the day, and at a cost of $3, you can't complain. We sat on a low wall and enjoyed our lunches al fresco. Kids and dogs were in abundance and the sun kept us warm. A busker entertained all with melodies by Neil Young and Van Morrison.
 The ride out to the markets is just as pleasant as the wander around. The Southern Highlands of New South Wales is like a garden paradise. It actually reminds me of areas of Asheville, North Carolina, which is probably why I like it here. The roads wind up and down hills. Farms and vineyards dot the countryside. A British sports car club was having a rally today and dozens of Triumphs, MGs, Jensens, and Astons passed us, going in the opposite direction. It was a scene out of The Persuaders. We just needed the top down and some sunglasses to wear.
We topped off the day by a wander around an antique store that specialises in English antiques. It really was a blissful Sunday. We just don't get those often enough. Next week, I think we'll have to stop at a couple of those cellar doors that we passed along the way, and indulge in some local wine tasting.
It's true. The best things in life, are the simple things. |
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| 4 Comments: |
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How nice to hear of a peaceful day. May you have many more of them.
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Oh! It's beautiful there! guy2250
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Southern Highlands in autumn...gorgeous.
xo Fudgy
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Still enjoying the weather and the scenery - I love long, drawn-out autumns!
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Name: Melanie O.
Home: Durham, North Carolina, United States
About Me: Female, American health and beauty-conscious professional who has rekindled a childhood love of dolls.
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posted by Melanie O. at 
How nice to hear of a peaceful day. May you have many more of them.