So.  I have pretty much decided that I would like to live on a farm.  This interesting realisation came about after spending the night at Avoca House in Wollombi*. 

I was lucky enough to  be a guest of Angela and Bob**, and it was such a great experience that I just had to share.  My arrival  at Avoca House followed a super duper busy day at work, so finding myself on a beautiful property with ducklings on the pond, and the light from the setting sun filtering through the vines on the verandah was like stepping into a little oasis of loveliness.

A speedy change into comfy clothes and a glass of wine in the courtyard pretty much made me forget that I’d even been at work that day.   I was there with a colleague (Kavita) and we were joined by another guest, Cheryl who had come to help Angela with the Bus-Net Breakfast*** the next morning.  Actually, something that I’ve noticed before about the Wollombi community is that they all seem to help each other out with stuff.  From fruit & veggies to mowing the lawn or helping cater for 35 people at 6am, there always seems to be someone around that’s willing to lend a hand, it’s quite unique.

Anyway.  We had dinner in the courtyard with Bob and Angela.  Believe me, that woman can cook.  It was simple but oh so tasty – the roast chicken was so delicious that I’m sure it must have had a ridiculously happy life before it found its way to my plate.  A couple of glasses of wine, lots of lovely food and good company made for a most pleasant evening.  Followed by the best sleep in a gorgeously comfy bed, on the crispy-est white linen ever and the sound of the frogs singing me to sleep outside my bedroom window.  I know – it sounds like a massive cliché doesn’t it – but it was just so nice to fall asleep to silence that is only broken by a few little frogs, instead of a billion cars going past.  

I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it was just really friendly -  like being at a friend’s house for dinner and then staying the night. 

I woke up quite early (only because I had to, otherwise I would have quite happily stayed in bed) and when I looked outside my window there was a blanket of mist that was just hovering above the pond, making it look all mysterious.  Angela served up an amazing breakfast – ever had breakfast pizza?  I highly recommend it.  Anyway everything was just beautiful and it was a delightful little sojourn.  Hence my wish to live on a farm – I could totally get used to the freshness of the country I think.

Obviously I’m not completely daft and I realise that there is a difference in enjoying the loveliness for one night, and actually having to work on a farm.  I reckon I would still love it.  I could make jam and milk cows.  For the moment I guess I will have to settle with doing my weekly shopping at the local Farmer Market.  Oh,and I should also mention something else I loved about farm life - washing your hair in rainwater makes it like a total dream – I had the best hair day ever!  Reason enough for me to move to the country.

*you will possibly note from previous posts that I adore Wollombi and go there whenever I have the opportunity. It’s so lovely.

**owners of Avoca House.

***we do these every month at work….the last one was at Peppers…also very lovely!