Valentine's Day

Arose early, as unprepared for the day's celebration and made a hazelnut cake for Dieter. It turned out well and went down well at afternoon tea time.

Went for a walk along Pt Chevalier Beach in the late afternoon although the tide was well out by then. In contrast to the Herne Bay beaches there is enough beach for a good walk .

House in Herne Bay

Eli did this picture of the villa for me for Christmas. It has all the elements I like so much - the two gables, bay window, verandah, the brick chimney, the red hot pokers and the rhododendron tree.

Tim's classic car adds a splash of colour.

Dresden Figurine

Spent a couple of days on the island this week and decided a trip to the op shop was a suitable reward for household jobs and hanging around for a tradesman working on island time.

Espied an unmarked Dresden-style figurine of a couple, she in lace skirt with a couple of small porcelain roses, he in floral breeches, a brown jacket with a pink sash tied in a big bow to one side. After careful perusal decided that in spite of a dusty lace skirt the ornament was worth buying.

Back home I tried washing the skirt with a mild soap solution to no avail and tried something stronger which also didn't work so have decided to leave it at that and just enjoy as is.

I think it is probably Japanese. The couple have such sweet faces and reminded me of the words of of song that I remember hearing in my youth.

Dressed in your gown of blue brocade, a rose upon each dainty shoe, lady in loveliness arrayed, I'd love to dance with you. Soft powder'd hair and wistful face, shy dreaming eyes of tender blue. Sweet queen of gentleness and grace my heart's aflame for you.

It is a lovely reminder of the beautiful Dresden, Meissen and Frankenthal porcelain we saw on our trip to Germany last year.