Five Friday Favorites – PLAYWORKEATREPEAT

Hi friends, it’s time to share five favorites on this sunny Friday. Thanks so much for stopping by!

One

I really like sitting in front of our house to drink coffee or other drinks. But until this week, we had no place to sit. The chairs we’ve had there for years had been damaged in a council clearance about six months ago, and we hadn’t had time to replace them, so I used the front steps.

This week, we finally got a small three-piece set, and they fit perfectly. Now we have a comfortable place to sit, drink, read and enjoy. Of course it beats the steps, which are not very comfortable!

Two

You definitely know you’re an adult when you’re totally attracted to a shiny, clean bathroom screen, right? About five years ago, my husband got a Karcher Window Vac for his birthday, and I think he used it once. I took it out this week and thought, why not try it on an en suite bathroom screen? Bingo, what a moment, and I will never go back again. The Karcher Window Vac is mine now.

Three

One day, it’s my turn to choose a movie, actually it’s always my turn, and that’s fine by me–hehe. A few weeks ago, I picked up a useless phone Dynamite Houseso this time I have to regain my top movie voter status.

I choose Everyone is fine with Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore, and Kate Beckinsale. Some of my favorite actors, and the movie is great! I won’t spoil it, but it’s about a man whose wife has died and wants to reconnect with his adult children.

I think it really struck me because of where we are in life. One of our boys flew the nest years ago, and the other, even though he wasn’t planning on going anywhere, I knew his day would come. The movie made me cry at the end. I haven’t cried this much since I watched it Giant!

Usually I don’t like movies that make me sad, but this isn’t a bad sad movie. How sad. Maybe I can relate because it feels like just a minute ago our kids were little, and not anymore.

Pay attention to that. I’m sure you will like it.

Four

We walked to a local Japanese restaurant for dinner on a Tuesday night. I had been there before with a friend and told my husband how good it was. Since we had just booked a trip to Singapore and Japan on Sunday, we were both excited to enjoy Japanese food. A little pre-trip treat before the actual experience. Only 80 days left! The countdown officially begins. Good grief!

It’s a holiday. Yes, I’m still on holiday, so we’re doing things we wouldn’t normally do. Like going to a dessert bar to buy a sundae the size of my head.

It’s half a waffle, a brownie, and some crunchy treats. It was delicious, but I would never go back again. Big desserts freak me out, and I’m glad we shared.

Five

This week, my husband and I spent a lovely few days in Gosford for our 36th wedding anniversary. Wow, that’s been a long time. We had a great time eating while walking around town, and it was great to enjoy the change of scenery. Funnily enough, on the way home, I saw something on Instagram that really stuck with me. Some say the highest form of love is friendship, and that feels right.

Steve and I actually started being friends years ago when we met at church. We are still good friends, and I believe it was friendship that got us through the inevitable tough times.

Having a good sense of humor also helps. I like to laugh, and I like people with a good sense of humor—it’s easier, right? One of my first memories of Steve was the day I met him, he made me laugh a lot, so that was a big win. He would argue that he is funnier than me, but he would be wrong. Obviously 😉

We stayed at the Gosford Hotel, the same place we stayed a few years ago. This is an old pub that has been renovated, but they have retained the original lift which you have to operate yourself. I love that they preserved this historic feature, even though it creeps us out a little every now and then. You have to operate the door by hand, turn the room key, and press the button. So much coordination!

The first night we had steak for dinner, and it was very tender. The menu says it’s soft, but it doesn’t always tell the truth. This restaurant did it, and I am very happy. Chewy steak is not my favorite.

I had crème brûlée, and Steve had cheesecake. They look so beautiful!

The next night, we shared cob patties and salt and pepper calamari as main courses.

Steve had fish for main course, and I had prawn linguini. It was so delicious I couldn’t stop moaning while eating, and Steve was thankful there weren’t many diners around.

The friendly waiter asked if we were celebrating anything special, and we told him it was our anniversary. He kindly surprised us with a complimentary dessert, dark ale pudding with ice cream. It even came out with fireworks! Lovely touch.

And that’s a wrap for this week. It’s been a long time since we’ve eaten at so many different places! It’s the last week of my school holidays, and I can’t believe how quickly these weeks have gone by. They always do it on holiday, Ugh.

Anyway, I won’t think about it now. I’ll enjoy the final part before the first semester starts. Man, I really hope it’s a better year than last year. The trauma is real!

Enjoy your weekend, friends. See you Monday!

In touch with Andrea and Erika