A gift that touched the heart

    Some Good Gabble readers may be aware that at the end of July I celebrated a birthday. At 40+ this is really no big event but a day that I spent quietly with my children who spoilt me rotten. My day was made even more special by all the messages I received from Good Gabble readers and Facebook friends. Messages of well wishes and love came through my computer throughout the day touching my heart. To all I say thank you. You made my day special and one that I will always remember. You also gave me hope and showed me why Good Gabble Newzine is needed and helped me focus on the reason we are here. With these well wishes I saw a community that is growing and spreading the positivity and love that this world needs. This community is what Good Gabble is all about.You are the inspiration and hope that keeps us going.

   A week ago I received a card  that I was not expecting. This card came from a Good Gabble reader Kelly Azuma who has touched my heart in many ways since we met, she is truly an inspirational lady. It touched my heart in such a way that I felt a need to share it with all.

  The card Kelly sent was a lovely fun loving heart warming card with the quote "The most wasted of all days is that during which one has not laughed" Nicolas De Chamfort - simple, true and beautiful. Within the card Kelly had written me a message letting me know how much I mean to her, as she does to me. What touched me the most was the thought and time that had been put into this unexpected gift. Within the card were two coupons entitling me to a free coffee of my choice. Kelly had turned these coupons into small pockets which she had decorated with stickers. Within each pocket she had place enough money to cover a cup of coffee. Kelly, and most Good Gabble readers, would know I have a love ( or addiction as my kids say ) to coffee, this leading to me reviewing cafes as I travel. This gift was personal and touched my heart.

  Thank you Kelly, your friendship is cherished. You have shown all that such a simple gesture and a little of ones time and thought can touch another, making them smile and feel loved. I have shared my gift and story with many causing them to smile and spread the positivity.

A gift that touched the heart

Enjoying my coffee - thank you Kelly

Rows Upon Rows Of Strawberries

 


  There is something fulfilling and relaxing about walking down rows and rows of strawberries in a hot house. The smell tantalises your nose. The luscious red colour dances from the vines calling the taste buds.

  A visit to Ricardoe's Tomato's and Strawberries had us leaving with one and a half kilo's of strawberries picked by our own hands and a lot of photography. Suitable for the whole family Ricardoe's provides a bucket and a pair of scissors which creates an experience the kids will be talking about days later. It was nice to see families enjoying a day out together sharing a simple activity that is not only healthy for the body but also the mind.

   Ricardoe's boasts 5 varieties of strawberries that are grown using state of the art technology. With over 30'000 plants and 2 acres of greenhouses Ricardoe's pride themselves as being environmentally friendly. They also grow 8 varieties of tomatoes.

  The taste of Ricardoe's Strawberries is amazing. Luscious juicy and sweet, just the way nature intended. We purchased some of the gourmet chocolate dipping sauce from the Cafe Red that is on the premises and although this did take away the healthy aspect of our visit was absolutely divine and a great treat. Cafe Red not only provides visitors with the chance to purchase fresh produce, jams, chutneys and souvenirs but enhances the relaxed atmosphere with a chance to sit and enjoy a coffee, cake or meal.

  We enjoyed working our way along the rows and rows of strawberries, discussing how they are grown, the humidity factor and the experience. The plants are grown at various heights suitable for the young child and adult so there is no need to bend, great for the elderly.

  Entry to Ricardoe's is free with you only paying for what you pick or purchase at the Cafe. Situated 10 mins from the town centre of Port Macquarie NSW it is easy to find. We filled in a morning but your time at Ricardoe's can be as long or short as you wish to make it. Free guided farm tours are held 11am Monday to Friday.

  Voted Port Macquarie's 'Best Tourist Attraction', producing award winning preserve's and recommended by TV's Getaway we also highly recommend a visit to Ricardoe's.

  After leaving Ricardoe's we headed back toward town to the Sunday markets to pick up more local fresh produce and homemade cakes.