Today was beautiful. It began waking in the arms of my new man with his head comfortably nestled on my right shoulder in the nape of my neck. It was beautifully sunny and when I wound open the shutters in my room I couldn't wait to get outside.
A spot of exploring was in order and I was further convinced of the lovely little place this suburb really is. I'm rather happy indeed and the locals are perpetually amusing. From the drunken bowls games being raucously carried out across from my house to the amusing little snickerdoodle puppies prancing their way around the wharf it's an adorable little corner of the world and is starting to feel very much like home.
Several hours and scone purchases (for tea! honestly! *looks around guiltily*) later a very dear friend of mine whose friendship I worried may be in jeopardy due to recent circumstances came around for a visit, her first in quite some time.
I showed her my new house and we headed up the road to a fantastic corner cafe pertinently labeled for this occasion; "Ciao Thyme". The cleverly named cafe is the epitome of a relaxed gourmet experience and we took our time salivating over which of the scrumptious looking salads and sweets to order. After much deliberation a plate of half smoked trout with pomegranate and crumbled goats feta on spinach and half beet root, roast carrot and rocket with Parmesan accompanied us to two little seats in the far corner viewing window, open to the warm air and the street below. And we talked, tentatively and with slight apprehension at first, removing the formalities of conversation with a friend you haven't seen for a while. Our dessert of the most decadent slice of banana caramel and pecan tart made it's way over and the conversation turned to more ardent matters. Crocodile tears welled up over coffee but never made it to the cups below; we were again friends forever and all was thoughtfully and endearingly understood. When the visit finally came to an end au revoir was fondly bid with a scone for the road and a great big hug.
On my jaunt of several hours later to my favourite local bottle shop in a quest for more Wahoo! I found a truly unexpected but profoundly appreciated experience. I entered the bottle shop and was immediately asked with fervor by a French-sounding gentleman to sample some wines. But of course I would!
"May I start with the chardonnay?" I asked as I typically enjoy chardonnay less than other varietals and often mark a good winery by it's ability to produce one I enjoy (obviously allowances are made for the winery's region). A surprised look was muted by the man and he answered "of course!" with an appraising air settling in. I actually enjoyed the drop of wine and was intrigued by what I tasted. It was verging on a verdelho in taste, smelled like a sauv blanc but had all the characteristics of a proper chardonnay. I was impressed and I told him so, although I believe I used the word "interesting" (albeit in a positive sense). Somehow this launched the man and I into conversation about my interests in wine and viticulture, his winery and his role and investment as one of the owners of this little boutique. He showed me photos and the brochure and gave me his card. I thanked him for the tastes (I also tried the Cab Merlot and Shiraz Cab - lovely examples of both) and moved on to find my beer.
"Just a minute..!" he said and gestured for me to wait. He returned shortly with a bottle of the shiraz cab and held it towards me.
"This is a gift" he changed his tone and told me, "it's very rare to meet someone with so much life and vibrancy. There aren't many people with the intelligence and exuberance I have seen in you today and it has been a true pleasure speaking with you. I wish you all the best in whatever path your life takes, you deserve a truly great one."
I was speechless. I muttered a profuse thanks for the bottle and shook his hand with contemplation. I paid for my beer and left the store carrying the unexpected present of affirmation and acknowledgement I'd received at a time when I didn't know how much I needed it. I was moved and the crocodile tears once again pooled just behind my eyelashes. I smiled.
Now here I sit, comfortably curled around my Mac completing plans for a trip I hope to one day narrate in this little online window; it looks fantastic.
I'm amusingly snacking with contemplation on the modern dietary fad dictated oxymoronic existence of low fat (truly!) pate and how with the addition of several seasonings (ie. Murray River Pink Salt and cracked Tasmanian Pepperberry) is quite a delectable little treat!
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