The mall before and during lunch time

I always get a little nervous when walking on the glass floor...
This was taken before lunch...

And this one about one hour later, during lunch...

After lunch...

The farmhouse itself... after lunch you can stay for as long as you want, and enjoy the countryside landscape before going back to town... the kids wanted to ride a horse, we watched from a distance, enjoying the freshly brewed coffee.

Take a seat

At the country restaurant we were seated in an old dining room of the centennial house. The ambiance was cozy. Lots of plaid fabric in greens, yellows and blues. The table by the window overlooking the farm was spetacular.

Country Food of Yesteryear

It was love at first sight. The perfect kind of day you dream about in the country... Back to Sousas district we had lunch at this charming restaurant that satisfies any craving for comfort food and yearning for yesteryear with its unique rustic atmosphere. "Casa da Fazenda" is a country restaurant where you can enjoy an authentic home-cooked meal with menu items prepared from scratch using fresh produce. The farm is a perfect place to stop for a Sunday brunch or lunch and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Room number 6 on St. Patrick's Day

I sneaked out to have coffee with a friend one morning this week and, as she was showing me around the service camp and retreat center where they live, I came across room number 6, and found it so appropriate for St. Patrick's Day! The place is very peaceful, you just do not want to leave! I appreciate her taking the time to have coffee with me, sharing her australian bread with a recipe kindly offered by Kerri, and giving me a little break from the city life!

Walking down the street

1902 home... Walking down the street on narrow sidewalks... watch your step!

The Sousas District is almost 200 years old. Many of the old houses are now beautifully restored. The natural beauty of this little town has attracted many people who want to live a simpler life. Visitors can spend the weekend at leisure to enjoy restaurants, cafés, and craft stores. There are miles of walking, hiking and biking trails where you can treat all of your senses with the beauty of the wildflowers, waterfalls, old coffee farms, and wooded areas.

A day to remember...

International Women's Day is celebrated throughout the world on March 8 every year. It is a day to focus upon and remember the struggle of women for peace, social progress, education and better lives for their families and communities. For us, it is an opportunity to take a minute out of our busy day and pray for women everywhere...

Wish upon a star

We caught a glimpse of last night's lunar eclipse, the sky was clear and it was a great show! Sorry, no pictures of it... Will the star fruits and cashews do?

In time: Geraldo just posted some great pictures of the eclipse on his blog e-postcards! Click here to see them!

As time goes by

Rural homes, they are all abandoned now, and the first one is being remodeled. I will be posting the picture once it is done.

"The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong."
Laura Ingalls Wilder

Reflections

The puddle seemed so inviting...

A charming European-style town - Campos do Jordão

One afternoon that's all we had... not enough to explore the beautiful places, hotels, scenic parks, restaurants, stores, lovely teahouses and cafés this city has to offer. "Campos do Jordão" in São Paulo state is a charming mile-high city that reminds us of countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and even the city of Aspen all together. Be there in the Winter and enjoy the Winter Festival of classical music. Be ready to have good quality chocolate, fondues, trouts, and fine food. Summer and Fall are good for hiking, visiting parks, gardens, and waterfalls. We are planning to visit again soon... and stay for a couple of days...

See the morning

See the morning, see it rising

Over the mountains high
See the mercy in the mighty
Hand of God

Chris Tomlin

Mardi Gras

Window shopping during Mardi Gras. No, that's not me! Can you tell it is a mannequin? It looked so real to me.

Windows and balconies

Most of these windows remained closed on a Sunday morning when I was taking a stroll and shooting some pictures. I am definitely a morning person...

Say it with flowers

Living in a condo... not much room for plants, outside a few flower beds bring me so much joy. I am ready to move to a house to have my own flowers and see them grow each day. Oh well, the pros and cons of such a lifestyle.

"There's nothing sweeter than to have friends who share in your joy."
Patsy Clairmont