Grandma's plate

This plate belonged to my Grandmother. When it came to our house I would carefully wash it and hang it back on the wall. I loved the colour of the plate and still do  My Mother gave it to me when I married and I have enjoyed it's presence in our home ever since. A few years back I thought I recognized the old building in the distance and on closer inspection the name Tintern is printed on the back. This is a picture of Tintern Abbey in South Wales. One of the first places my husband had taken me in 1975 and every trip since. 
Here is a photo of the Abbey. The River Wye runs through the valley. The farm where we rent a cottage is only 10 minutes from this scene. It's like I was meant to go there, don't you think?

Maggie Beers Verjuice

Last year my husband and I enjoyed a wonderful holiday in South Australia.
One of the highlights was our visit to Maggie Beers kitchen. Pictured here.
Maggie has a fantastic produce store where we bought a simple picnic lunch. Later, we attended a cooking demonstration in the kitchen (the same kitchen as tv show).
Our class was on verjuice.
I was fascinated.  We now use verjuice regularly and buy large bottles.  Verjuice is unfermented grape juice. The Romans were using it to enhance their dishes!  A good example is to remove your roast veggies 15 mins early, splash with verjuice and finish cooking.  Amazing!! 

shack renovations

 Shack renovations continue.
I thought I would show you the old garage which will convert to a studio.
This weekend a new roof
Larger windows next. Then a complete internal make over
I made sure food was ready for the team!

 

The team enjoying roast duck by the fire after a busy day. My husband Chris. Vince and Margie, our shack shareholders!! We love these shareholders meetings.

 vintage toys from the garage

The vintage milk bottles were in the shack

What a lovely surprise

A dear friend  and client sent these today.  She lives in Italy and we will catch up in September.
We will have four days in Venice which is close by.
I think the cup cake lady is so clever!!

Autumn in Launceston

Autumn in Launceston

 This is the French inspired fountain in Princess Park.

Our beautiful city really turns on it's charm in Autumn. We have several parks to stroll through under massive trees.

Room at the Studio

We have a band staying with us at the moment, so all available space is needed. The studio takes two!!
Large pots of pasta and baking for friends. That's what it's all about at our place. The music and fun makes it such a pleasure.

Snail mail treasure

This beautiful hand made card arrived this week from a dear friend I've known for 50 years.
We keep in touch and have shared great joys and deep sadness over the years.  Knowing someone who knew your family, your teachers, your neighbors is truly special.
I love the fact that we choose to keep the letters and cards going over modern technology.  My friend said this week how much she enjoys making cards and how much she loves receiving mine.
Send a card! 

Anyone home?

At our shack the neighbors dog loves to pop over to see if we are in. It's the cutest little dog. During the renovation she just walked in and out and of course thinks the same arrangement stands.
I had to laugh when I saw her checking us out Sunday morning. 

At the Shack

We have headed to the beach for a much needed rest!  Whilst there are still a few things to finish before we can rent our cottage to holiday makers, it's just perfect for us. This is a place to relax and unwind. The beds are so comfy and the kitchen works like a charm. We have a heat pump plus an open fire( of course) and the best part is being only a short stroll to magnificent beaches. Thought I'd share some pics with you.

Beautiful Low Head

Love these fires

I see these gas log fires and dream of owning one.
We have a large heat pump so would only use this on weekends or some evenings.  We are thinking of putting a gas cook top in so perhaps a fire could go in at the same time.
I'd be interested in others thoughts on these fires.
You know I'm mad on our fire but it is messy!

Hit the right note!

These great cakes were made by our daughter in law and our little grand daughter. Our Son decorated them. Aren't they great! They were delicious too

It pays to hoard

I have enjoyed reading the  womans weekly from Diana and Charles wedding.
I also have Andrew and Sarah. William was a cute pageboy.