Out in the country

A couple of weeks ago I had a rare Sunday free from my (self-inflicted) volunteering duties at Wolston House, so I went for a drive out to the Lockyer Valley, not all that far from where I live. I went looking for an Open Garden I had read about in my favourite magazine, but sadly I was unable to locate it.
Undaunted, I headed to Forest Hill via some back roads when I spotted this abandoned cottage along the way.

I am drawn to shabby, neglected things, although they do make me sad. There was more shabby stuff in Forest Hill, although this pub is still a going concern. I was rather taken by the green stuff growing in the gutter!

Just look at the texture of the peeling paint on this fence! 

My next stop was at Cafe 4342 for a spot of morning tea. The number is Forest Hill's postcode and the cafe and gift shop are extensions to the Post Office. My choice for morning tea was this delicious pear and blueberry cake.

My journey home took me through Marburg and Rosewood. There is a fabulous antique shop in Marburg, with some quirky items for sale. I think Superman may be looking for this!

There is a wonderful house in Rosewood which is crying out for some attention. It is hard to see from the road and I don't like to trespass, but the overgrown entry to the property is very romantic.

A very enjoyable day out!

No, it can't be..

.. December already, can it? I know that it must be however, as today was my first Christmas function of the season.

This is Cafe 4342 at Forest Hill, a tiny town in the Lockyer Valley, about half an hour's drive from Ipswich. It is also a gift shop and the local Post Office. The food is delicious and I was lunching with friends from the Ipswich group of the National Trust. Just  lovely!
Across the road from the cafe is Mimmi's, a cute shop full of hand-crafted goodies made by local artisans. I got an early start on Christmas shopping (I know, I know, lots of you are way ahead of me! but I'm in denial) and picked up these journals made by the talented Janie from Handmade at Woolshed Creek (which I actually crossed on my way to Forest Hill. The creek that is).

I guess I should have realised it was getting on for Christmas as the temperatures are rising. 32 degrees today! What will they be by the end of the month!!