We’re well and truly in the midst of Summer here in Australia. This time of year calls for warm breezes that are scented with eucalyptus, daily splashes in the pool followed by a relaxing siesta, and the best time of day is golden hour where the bright blue sky morphs into a vibrant sunset that we enjoy from the backyard hammock, wine in hand. These endless days are cherished as we take time to reset our mind and bodies for the new year ahead.
This slow summer Sunday began with bright blue skies and the scent of sunscreen as my husband and I hopped in the car and set off to one of our favourite cellar doors, Slow Fox Wines. The perfume of blossoms on the breeze across paddocks and waving grape vines, melted into one with the gentle buzz of cicadas, setting a peaceful ambiance as we drove up the dusty road hemmed with tall trees.
In the crevice of plum and olive trees, displaying their tonal greens and seasonal fruit lies a charming grass courtyard and cellar door. Littered with oak barrels, and wooden furnishings are the perfect refuge to escape the Summer heat with a glass of chilled chardonnay.
Summer has the ability to make one lose all sense of time down under. Perhaps it’s the summer solstice light that lingers, or maybe the sense of relaxation and enjoyment of not needing to be anywhere else as the year slowly winds down for the festive season. Either way, time escaped us with haste, and as the temperature climbed into the low 40s (celcius to be clear). By mid afternoon, the idea of heading back home to wade in the pool seemed inviting, and that’s exactly where we went.
We arrived home just in time for the pool to be shaded by surrounding lemon myrtle and photonia trees. Although the terracotta tiles still managed to burn our eager feet upon entry, we retreated to the shade, dipping toes into the cool oasis as freckles began to sprinkle my nose and cheeks. It wasn’t hard to jump right into the rippling blue water. Our two dogs joyfully followed us in, running around the pool edges, kissing us at every chance they had. Our red heeler even decided to join us by having a splash, before spraying water ferociously.
The sky slowly mellowed into a pale tint of orange, and the temperature slowly cooled making for a lovely space to truly slow down this season and embrace the welcomed new year of 2025. Today set the new years resolution to slow down and enjoy the simple things that sit right in front of us.
Wander Mak 
Leave a comment