High tea, chocolate and birthdays...just another weekend.

I am super tired as i write this. It's been a weekend full of activities, and, while satisfying to be out and about doing new things, i must say it does take it out of you! I'm glad to be at home, in bed with a cup of peppermint tea, about to settle in to some junky TV before sleep!

Let me recap - Saturday dawned bright and beautiful, the perfect ANZAC day, not that i made it to any dawn services i must admit...but from what they showed on television, it looked very moving, both here and in Gallipoli. Jo and I got up and went for a brisk walk in our valiant attempt to be healthier, and not so lazy! We stopped off for coffee on our way home, and then it was straight into the shower for me to get ready for high tea with some lovely ladies at the Observatory Hotel, which was delightful!

It was served in a lovely big room which looked part English library, part French diner - altogether gorgeous, either way. We started with French champagne before munching on sandwiches, mini panacotta, creme brulees, cupcakes, cheesecake, opera torte and scones with homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream. And of course, tea - my favourite was a wonderfully scented jasmine variety.

Our high tea platters!

Back home, i was going to make fried chicken for dinner, but kind of fell behind schedule - so i made tangy pork instead, with some lean, pork fillets, cooked in oil and vinegar, and then braised in a lovely marinade of lemon, lime, pine nuts, basil, lemongrass and garlic. Served with rice and a big green salad - light and healthy! It was yummy. AND, i even baked a cinnamon cake for dessert.

Another sunny, although windy, day today, and Jo and I went off on our Chocolate Walk this morning. Jo had got me vouchers for this was for Christmas, and it was really enjoyable! We went to several different chocolate shops and cafes - such as Haigh's and the Lindt cafe - learning all about coffee and chocolate, and different bits and pieces about Sydney's history along the way too. I would really recommend it, our tour guide was lovely, and we got to sample alot of chocolaty goodies. I was stuffed by the end! Here we are, enjoying some treats...

Raced back home to get ready to head out again for Peter's birthday (Happy Birthday Pete!), where it was a madhouse of children running around laughing and crying and screaming all at once - but i always enjoy every minute. Jack, i am happy to report, is finally starting to walk a little, and he seems very excited by the discovery! I'm sure within a few weeks he will be walking all over the place like a pro. As always, i came away having eaten far too much, and with a huge plate of dessert to take home.

That's all for now - but another busy week ahead.

Sweets on our tour!