our underwater life

There's a change in the air here which I've become in tune with this past week. Our days have shortened considerably and I've even dug through the wardrobe for a cardy to wear some evenings! Our fig tree is losing it's leaves too, a sure sign Winter is on its way. This means our swimming days are numbered, so we are taking advantage of the warm Autumn currents and the super low tides down at Emily Bay as much as possible. There are worse places to hang out I guess! Poor us.

Do you want to come snorkelling with us? Here's a short Vimeo Ben made yesterday...

black and white bubbles

Black and white: not everyones cup of tea. I just thought it worked with these images.

My parents went snorkelling and it was kind of a big deal. My Mum had never snorkelled before and she donned flippers and a mask like a pro. I'm so thrilled Mum and Dad could see our magic underwater world (up close). I've been telling them for 5 years how special it is - now they have seen it for themselves!

testing the waters

No-one can deny that Emily Bay is at its' best when the sun is shinning, but I'll let you in on a secret, it's also pretty special on a warm rainy day when the tide is low and smooth. At least, we think so anyway. My parents have been visiting this past fortnight and the weather has not been crash hot to be honest. Rather than mope around indoors though, we've been getting out as much as possible - wind gusts, raindrops and all!

first swim

So really it was Harry's FIRST dip for the swimming season!! Till and I cheered him on from the safety of our cosy towels, which we laid on the soft warm sand, well out of the reach of those menacing chilly waves! I'll think about taking the plunge sometime in December ha ha......maybe. It must not be too cold though, Harry was in the water forever...and those skinny limbs of his usually go blue after a few minutes!!!

while the sun shines and the water is warm

I know Autumn is upon us, all the signs are here; cooler mornings, shorter days, the leaves on our fig tree beginning to wilt! But I'm not ready to give up our beach days just yet...we are making hay while the sun shines and the water is still warm!

Our weekend has been so ridiculously utterly perfect, I feel like I've just had a holiday! With two glorious trips to the beach, several serves of Ben's home-made watermelon sorbet, a baked 'roast beef' dinner, an awesome garage sale (oh I got a treasure), an energising yoga class, plus an early morning walk, it's no wonder I'm feeling cheerful. Hopefully I'll have a spring in my step for the whole week ahead!!!! You know, my good mood is also assisted by the fact that my house is completely clean and tidy for a change. I suppose it's not surprising how a little spare time goes an awfully long way to keeping one SANE. I'm discovering that running a home is altogether more pleasurable when there's actually time to do it properly. Yes, part-time work suits me A LOT! Amen.

Early last week we bid farewell to some dear friends who came to stay with us on our magical island. Then later that same week we welcomed family, some of whom are visiting our delightful home for the first time (and who were brave enough to hop on a plane - well done). It's wonderful to see the sights through fresh eyes and I rather enjoy playing the role of tour guide! It has made me think....perhaps it's time I played tour guide here!? I know I show snippets already, but there's so much to see and do here that I think it's time I dedicated a few posts each month to showing you the sights. So, who wants a guided tour of Norfolk Island?

Oh boy. Where will I start?

friday favourite

Here's my favourite photo taken this week. 

I'd love it if you'd share yours too...just add a link to your Friday Favourite in the comments below!

week-ending

Emily Bay: the perfect location for us to hang-out and reconnect with each other after a big week. You might say this was one of those perfect Friday afternoons!

I took all these photos in manual mode using my nifty fifty lens. Manual is my go-to mode these days. I still get home and upload tonnes of dud photos but the better ones are coming thick and fast. I learn something new every time I pick up my camera. My photography savvy cousin sent me a picture on FB today that said:

 

Photography is not my whole life, but it makes my life whole!

So true.