The Roaming Stevens

Tinto and I literally took some very precious and genuine moments to STOP and acknowledge the grand land of South Australia.  We gave thanks, too, that we are fortunate enough to live here.  We espoused the virtues of this spectacular state to our dear house guest repeatedly and with fervent enthusiasm.  We smiled at the land and each other.  We were inspired to raise our glasses and TOAST the dear Clare Valley.  Our new 'family member' KNOWS where we would like for her to live now, too.  Our other 'Georgia Girls' know fully well where we would like for them to reside, TOO!  Ha...in my dreams! Even on dreary, grey days one cannot help but drink in the atmosphere and the sense of calm the Clare Valley provides.  No words are necessary... The Clare Valley's climate is crisp and cool - far cooler than the Barossa Valley, hence the production of outrageously good Reisling wine.  The Clare Valley is natural and rolling with pockets of small, q...

Tinto's youngest daughter was born on this day.  We hope she has a lovely time ahead of her and is surrounded by those who bring her the most happiness. Tinto and I were fortunate to be married on this particular day, too, the 7th of April.  He always thought it was special and a privilege to be joined in marriage on one of his children's birthdays.  And...the BEST part about it was...his parents flew in from England, so that was an added 'extra' for the birthday festivities.  Visits from Tinto's parents to Australia were very few and far between.  I am quite certain that they would have loved to fly in for many birthdays, but due to the great, vast distance  that was a real impossibility.  The visits were a rare occasion indeed and happened, mostly, when a trip had to be made for business purposes and their last visit was such a long time prior to this extraordinary day. So, it was a rich and 'full-on' event when Tinto's parents made a grand entranc...