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| The obligatory couple selfie (is there a filter that erases wrinkles?) |
Because we met at the racetrack on Melbourne Cup day we usually celebrate with some sort of Cup related activity. But you'll recall that last year we had the post-race blues and with all that is going on in our life this year we decided to have a break from this Aussie (and Langdown) tradition.
Instead of going to the racetrack for our anniversaries, we opted for a nice lunch instead. So we went to the Conservatory Restaurant at the National Arboretum. Not a fascinator in sight!
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| Steamed zucchini flower stuffed with fetta, spinach and pine nuts |
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| The Conservatory Restaurant inside The Village Centre |
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| Pistachio and sesame chicken breast with kipfler potatoes and fresh tomato sugo |
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| The view from our table |
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| Taking a drive through the Arboretum after lunch - Margaret Whitlam Pavilion |
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| The Village Centre |
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| The view from one of the hills |
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| Wide Brown Land |
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| Happy anniversary |
What is an arboretum? Well, it's a botanic garden devoted to growing trees for conservation, research and education purposes.
The National Arboretum in Canberra is fairly new so the trees are all very small right now, but it boasts that it will become home to 104 forests of "rare, endangered and symbolic trees from Australia and around the world". It already has 94 of these forests in various stages of growth. There is over 44,000 trees from over 100 countries growing across 250 hectares (618 acres).
While we've driven past the Arboretum a gazillion times and I have personally driven in, we've not actually eaten there, nor have we really investigated it properly. It was lovely to do this on Tuesday to not only celebrate our union but to celebrate the city we chose to settle down in.
So that's what I'm lovin' about life this week. The celebration of love in marriage, in soul mates, in the city we love and in life in general.
For more information about the National Arboretum click here.
What are you lovin' about life this week?
Have you been to the National Arboretum?
* * * * *
It's Lovin' Life Linky time.
The Lovin' Life Linky is brought to you by Team Lovin' Life: Deep Fried Fruit, Debbish, Seize the Day Project, Write of the Middle, And Anyways, 50 Shades of Age and Lifestyle Fifty
Lovely! Happy Anniversary! It's my favourite place in Canberra
ReplyDeleteNot been to the restaurant, I meant the actual Arboretum
DeleteLove the Arboretum and it must be time for a repeat visit. The food looks good too.Canberra's cultural institutions do that so well.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary, Leanne!
ReplyDeleteSSG xxx
What a divine place for lunch. Happy anniversary! My husband and I also had our first date on Melbourne Cup Day many moons ago. I'm glad you got to celebrate in style. #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteAwwww! What a lovely post! Happy anniversary!
ReplyDeleteIngrid
http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com.au
I am glad the two of you took yourselves out to celebrate and enjoy each other's company in such a beautiful place! Gosh our nation's capital has so much to see and do. No wonder I enjoy visiting. Hope to get there, as you know, next Autumn for photos of the trees and catching up!!!! D xx
ReplyDeleteIt must be huge if you can drive through it!
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary, Leanne! You may be making a new tradition, e.g. Return next year to see how the trees have grown.
ReplyDeleteI'd actually not heard of an arboretum I must admit. Your lunch looked delicious though... xx
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary, and what a wonderful way to celebrate!!!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
loved that you're still celebrating your anniversary every year by doing something special - it's good to recognize the fact that you're still going strong.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! The chicken dish looks very yummy!
ReplyDeleteDi from Max The Unicorn
It looks like a beautiful place to have your anniversary lunch! A big Happy Anniversary from me! Thinking of you with all you've got going on at the moment. Remember to take care of yourself. xo #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary Leanne, what a beautiful spot to celebrate in, maybe this will be the start of a new tradition?
ReplyDeleteThose views are amazing. The food looks good too!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! It will be interesting to go back in years to come and see how it has changed.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary. Looks like you had a lovely meal. Thanks for saving me from having to google "arboretum".
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary to you and hubby Leanne. I met my hubby at the races too ... must have been the place to go to meet the man of your dreams! :) Your lunch looks delicious xox #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDelete