Friends and sunsets

I have just arrived home from a wonderful dinner… a night out in the bush.
…
It was an impromptu gathering of three families – neighbours around our age here near Granite Glen.
…
My darling friend Elle – a gorgeous bubbling well of life and laughter – decided to celebrate her family’s move into the “big house” on the historic property they manage, from a tiny cottage nearby. She is still “feeling out” the huge home, with its five bedrooms, enormous living area and a kitchen you could have almost fit their previous home within. I visited briefly the other day, and marvelled at the changes she has already wrought. Paint pots in the laundry tell of the hours she has laboured to transform this hulking-but-beautifulold dark house into a warm place she can call home.
…
We had been working all day, through the wet weather, to sort and treat our newly weaned calves out of the muddy yards and into a warm paddock. We were tired, and had to gather our energies to shower, get in the car and drive the half hour to Elle’s place.
…
Our weariness was forgotten the moment we walked in the door. Our kids squealed and raced through the hallways to their kids bedrooms, seeking out treasures and new corners to explore. Elle and her husband Harv, with his wicked sense of humour, had us giggling within seconds. Other friends W and P (whose photogenic spurs featured here and whose butts also featured here) were there too – a quieter but no less delightful and entertaining foil for our hosts’ antics. And my Dad came along for the ride, fitting nicely at the end of the table with Harv’s parents, and putting his two-bob’s worth in at regular intervals.
…
The huge living area came alive with conversation, laughter, anecdotes and tall stories, and before we knew it, four hours had flown by. Too much fab food was eaten, plenty of wine was imbibed and our offspring ran riot (although the meltdown count was remarkably low).
…
Everyone is now asleep except me… I’m tired, sure. But I’m smiling through the yawns as I quickly jot this down, before I hit the hay.
…
I leave you with images from the drive home from Elle and Harv’s place.
. . .
.
.
Hope your day was tiring but smile-worthy too.