Sand between our toes

The girls have just left and I find myself standing alone in the middle of this unfamiliar room with half sorted boxes, some empty bottles of beer and a Moscato d'Asti and I'm too excited to go to bed even though I'm physically exhausted.

After spending the entire day unpacking boxes, sorting, rearranging furniture, cleaning and settling into my new home in Elwood; tonight (as is our tradition) Suz, Jamilla & Lee came around to help me 'celebrate'.

Earlier in the evening when Jamilla yelled out to me to join her for a dip in the ocean, my mind was miles away. I was content to just stand by the waters edge talking to Suz & Lee. But with her familiar squeal (a mixture of joy and spunk)...

"Come on Jules You know you'll love it once your in.. Yeah it's a bit cold - but it's beautiful!"

The memory of past dares, joy and new beginnings blended into this moment and before I knew it I too was immersed it it's clear waters and crashing waves.

After a quick swim in the ocean and a spectacular sunset, we walked across the road and back to my place with some beach towels around our shoulders and sand between our toes. Then we lounged about on tossed pillows chatting as we ate angel hair pasta served with boccocinni cheese, cherry tomatoes and fresh basil and listened to the sound of the passing traffic.

I feel very happy and blessed right now. Good friends, the sea, and an Aussie Summer.

Now I'm looking forward to diving deep under my quilt and enjoying my first nights sleep in a provincial sleigh bed in my home by the sea.. and waking up in the morning to the smell of coffee.