June wrap-up

June is over already here and it's winter - short, brisk days and long, frosty nights. Here's some of what we got up to this month:

Celebrated DP's birthday. The decoration was a joint effort - frosting from me, toy soldiers from Miss B. A very appropriate combo, as all who know him well will agree.

We had a long weekend, so headed to Sydney to continue our ongoing exploration. On the recommendation of one of Miss B's coaches, discovered the Chinese Garden of Friendship - a beautiful and tranquil oasis in the midst of bustling Darling Harbour.

Spotted this sign at a Darling Harbour waterfront restaurant. I assume they mean New England Clam Chowder, but that wouldn't be a recommendation here, since the Australian version of New England isn't really anywhere near the ocean.

Stumbled across the oldest hospital in Australia, smack in the middle of the CBD and still operational.

Went hunting for fruitbats in the Royal Botanic Gardens - they had apparently gone out for the day, but there were plenty of other sights to see. (Note the 'Welcome' sign, for which I have an enduring fondness - mainly because it says 'Please walk on the grass'.)

 A lovely view of the weather deteriorating over Sydney Harbour...

...with just enough time to examine 'A Folly for Mrs Macquarie' before the rains came.

The drive home on Monday alternated between sun and showers for most of the trip, and we saw something like seven rainbows. I managed to capture one (barely).

And last but not least, my latest blog find - Budget Bytes - which I've been binge-reading, lured in by the gateway recipe for Dragon Noodles. I liked it so much I made it twice in two days, substituting plain pasta noodles because I had some sitting in the fridge, and jazzing it up with some chopped celery and leftover steak. Better, cheaper, and quicker than takeout.

That's all from June - bring it on, July!