Strawberry Jam

Jam making is one of my favourite kitchen pleasures. Today I decided to make a couple of jars using strawberries from the market and add some Cointreau we bought duty free.
All trial and error but great fun. I'm pleased to report it tastes wonderful.
Our youngest son has wonderful fruit trees in their garden, so next jam will be plum! Can't wait. Do you like making jam? What is your favourite?

In the Studio

How good it is to have time in the studio. The weather changed today and it felt so great to be working indoors yet open to the garden and rain. I'm going to crest some new works this week, il keep you posted.
Hope your weekend was wonderful.

24 hrs

Escaping to the beach cottage after work on Saturday, is something to dream about. "Elonera", our little cottage was all polished and waiting for us, as guests had been in and our dear friend had cleaned and polished.
After reading and snoozing, we headed for the beach once the intense heat had passed.  Here is a picture of my husband and our gorgeous Rosie.
We walked 2km passing rock pools, and beautiful beaches, until we settled at Pilot Beach to enjoy bubbles at sunset. 

---

Music in the street (Tamar Valley folk festival)

Music in the street at the Tamar valley folk festival last weekend.  We are all exhausted but so happy with the festival.  Great fun and fantastic acts.

Jam making

Our son has a massive apricot tree, yummy apricot jam making this week.  We will pick more and freeze some stewed apricots.  I'm so tempted to buy one of those drying machines.  Does anyone have experience with these?
Our folk festival next weekend. See the tab at the top of my page.  Love to see you there!

Beach fun

Beach Fun As a glorious week at the beach cottage ends, I am reflecting on the sunny days filled with fun. Visits from friends and family.  Grandchildren and family dogs keeping us fit and happy.  Rides on our scooter to the lighthouse and remote beaches  Good books, fresh food, New years Eve in the garden with friends, standing on the beach in the moonlight for New year. We head back to work and into the final preparation for the festival refreshed and happy. How was your week? Three new rescued roses today! A busy evening tomorrow, planting. X

A great holiday read!

With bags packed, food and drink and of course the dog, a few days at the beach cottage began on boxing day. A pact was made that no work other than household chores would take  our holiday time. In between long walks on the beach and making coffee in our new machine, I've simply relaxed and read. My first book is this lively tale by Susan Duncan. It's her fist novel( her other books are autobiographical) and it's a beauty! A tale of fiction but I suspect could only be written by someone who lives in this quirky area of Pittwater. I recommend the Briny cafe to all who dream of taking on a new project. Hope your having fun! Chris