Lipstick Lines and The Land

Lipstick Lines and The Land have left the country. Alysia and Sam loaded the car at about 6:30 this morning for the drive down the Putty Road to Richmond. They were to leave the car for the journalist who was to cover Sam's absence while he and Alysia backpacked Europe. The Contiki Tour that had been booked was cancelled very recently and they had been busy trying to reorganise their trip. No accommodation and no transport. What to do? They cruised the web and all couch surfer offers between Venice and all points north, south, east and west. It was a dark and cloudy morning to be setting off for the adventure of a lifetime. London is their first stop. A B&B has been booked for one night. After that it is up to luck to see what eventuates for them. Five days in London and then they'll move on. Belgium is promising with a home stay there. Venice a youth hostel as they arrive in time for the festival and gondola race. I wanted a happy snap for the blog but I think that they were both too excited, nervous, whatever with anticipation to do too much smiling for me. I await news of their journey.

Dinner in July

The 19th of July was my mother's birthday and although she past away many years ago I spend a thought for her today as she died just three days before her 61st birthday. My mum was a person who was always cooking so she would have loved the dinner that we shared with our neighbours tonight. Helen and John had prepared a six course dinner for us and two other couples. Each course had been carefully planned and accompanied by a fine selection of wines. Presentation was meticulous. Thank you Helen and John. An amazing feast of delightful flavours. It is good to meet new people and break bread. My love of people, entertaining and food comes from my mum.

Bastille - Hier soir

What a night! Every guest was dressed impeccably in the French style. The log fire was stoked and the room decorated with the French flag and red, white and blue streamers; even the candles on the table supported the theme. Once again our hosts Jeni and Alain had prepared a beautiful le diner. In France I am guessing as it is summer that the menu would be quite different. Here in Australia the season is cold and chef Jeni, had chosen well. Jeni is such a calm and well organised hostess. Mes compliments au chef. French music was played and a few in the group actually spoke enough French to understand some of the lyrics. It did help when Alain interpreted. I had spent the afternoon rehearsing my French with the aid of a CD. Unfortunately my learning is somewhat temporal and I can only recall the French words when the CD repeats them for me. The fromage platter and the well aged reds piqued interest. One of the wines was a Terrace Vale from 1975 and another from 1979. A true indulgence for the invited guests. Merci Jeni and Alain. Last night was superb. Alain sang and a couple danced. A night of firsts. The cake decorated in chic stripes to represent the French flag was delicious. The bleu icing was so enticing, so creamy.

Bastille Dinner

Tonight Anne, Gary, Stephen and I are off to the vineyards to Jeni and Alain's home for the annual Bastille Dinner. It promises to be an evening of interesting company and fine French style delicacies. Everyone is expected to dress in the colours of the French flag. This usually results in some surprising wardrobe choices. To prepare, Stephen and I visited Dan as in Murphy to purchase a French wine to accompany our dinner. I shall continue to mouth the words of the French National anthem as I have in the past. The tune is catchy it is the words that I am yet to master. As long as I stand when everyone else does and raise my glass in a toast to France and the republic I hope that no one notices. The anthem is traditionally sang late in the night's proceedings so if the consumption of French wine matches our enthusiasm to celebrate Bastille and all things French I expect to go undetected again this year.

Rural Lifestyle

Going walkabout on the property. Cows, company and much later crocodile for dinner. The dam has dropped considerably since our Easter vacation. The fence running through the dam is now visible. Now I understand the snags when we were fishing.

All Spice

Saturday afternoon was one of complete relaxation. I had booked a massage at Spicer's Hidden Vale. We arrived at the resort just as a wedding was about to begin. I dallied for a few minutes; just long enough to catch a glimpse of the bride coming up the paved drive; past the animal nursery (loved the lama along with its beautiful big brown eyes.) The bridal party's coach was magnificent as it drew up to the family and friends who had gathered . However, I digress; no time for shooting, archery, spa, high tea or horse riding straight up and into the massage room where I was met by a friendly young woman. She ushered me into a room where the fragrances, subdued lighting and music created the ideal setting for the next hour of total decadence. So rested and so very relaxed I then had an eyelash tint. Not quiet the lama or Cleopatra look but just what I wanted. I only have such luxuries when I visit Hidden Vale. Despite health recommendations I floated back to the farm where afternoon wine and platter service was exemplary. I know that one is supposed to drink water after such a relaxing massage but the wine and pate was simply just too tempting. Sunday was the second of the Spicer's resorts that I was to visit in two days. Unbeknown to Stephen, Kirstie had arranged for us to have lunch at Spicer's Peak. Lunch was by appointment only and having been so thoroughly spoiled by the entire experience I appreciate the exclusive nature of the rural setting. Its isolation almost as unique as its architecture. As guests we were greeted and warmly welcomed with coffee by the fire place. This was most appropriate after the long drive and the cold outside temperature. Sharlene and Kurt were wonderful hosts. The views cannot be described. One should stand or sit in quiet awe, either on the balcony or snugly behind the enormous glass panels. No talking, let me take in the view. The mountain ranges were remarkable and spectacular in both size and form. The 4WD climb was worth every minute. Lunch was served in the dining room where conversation was again permitted. Each of us at the table commented on every aspect of the resort. The tranquility offered by its very location. The menu was superb. Contemporary Australian cuisine accompanied by specially selected wines but that is not the end of my Spicer's journey as this Wednesday night shall be spent at another of group's resorts but this time the one located in the Hunter Valley in NSW. I've stayed there previously so I can only say that I expect the same level of excellent service at whichever of the Spicer's resorts that we visit. I remember too that each has its own unique features. It is the differences that makes the visits memorable. I look forward to Wednesday.

Farm Living

Last night Stephen and I arrived in Grandchester. Plane was only delayed an hour so we were still in time for dinner. Michael had kindly baked pizza. Salmon was delicious as was the mushroom that Kirstie had been secretly eyeing off. Sorry Kirstie. I didn't see you looking. This morning we went to Laidley. Laidley is a little village not far from Grandchester. We all strolled through an antique shop unaware that Laidley had its annual show day parade at 11:00. Roads closed for the event; we were impressed. We expected big things. Well big things turned out to be the morning tea as we sat on the verandah of the das Neumann Haus. Lovely wait staff, so knowledgeable. After the parade we all entered the Schulte's Meat Tavern. Imagine meat products of every type all located under the one roof. So excited that I purchased some crocodile. Next issue. How does one present or cook crocodile? Found a leaflet display that offered some suggestions re cooking. Made a few other purchases before heading to Plainland. For the uninitiated that is just a special name for the Woolworths shopping centre. At Woolworths we made a number of purchases for our verandah picnic. Why the verandah? Scared that the cows might intrude, just a little. Forgot to mention the purchase of a hand fishing line in Laidley as I was determined to go fishing for yabbies. Lunch, AKA picnic was intriguing as we tried other new food products today. One of those was an Italian cured lean beef. This is probably better known as Bressaola. Unusual texture.

Happy Birthday

We are having a special birthday dinner for Stephen tonight. The table setting features an African theme and I am cooking. We just had a Skype birthday call from Tamworth. Technology really makes the world a different place. Kirstie is in Queensland so Kate and Chris will be here to celebrate along with Hugues. We'll be having marinated roast lamb. The marinate is a combination of rosemary and mint. That will be served with roasted vegetables:potatoes (in their jacket,) button mushrooms, capsicum (red and green,) carrot, sweet potato chunks and pumpkin. A side dish of fresh beans in a pepper and diced tomato sauce will provide the colour for tonight's main. For dessert there are home baked, individual, apple tarts. Puff pastry rounds have been stacked, decorated, baked and cut into halves. Prior to serving I'll gently heat the apple for spooning onto the pastry rounds. Each will be lightly dusted with icing sugar and served with fresh strawberries, ice cream and pouring cream.