Bathroom is moving along

The plumber came again on Friday. What a good man. 4 hours and the upstairs plumbing is all but complete. The ensuite was commenced 19 weeks ago so it is most pleasing to see work progressing. Stephen was very kind to organise the plumber and he turned up! I have included a shot of my current rustic, bedroom decor. It shows the tools essential for the next stage of renovations. I really don't mind that they adorn my bedroom. In fact there is something comforting knowing that they will be utilised to sheet the walls before tiling. The vanity is a good resting spot for the pillows and cushions each night so when it is attached to the bathroom wall I'll need to make alternative arrangements.

Woonona Called In

Michelle and Lindy made the epic trip to the Hunter today. It has been too long between visits. The day was warm and the sun was shining brilliantly. Platters of olives, pate, stuffed bell peppers, pita bread, goat's cheese, Chorizo sausage, dried apricots/strawberries, mini toasts, scrubbed brie, hommus, Prosecco, smoked salmon, ... So good to catch up after so long. Tea, biscuits and chocolates to finish the luncheon event. Stephen has commenced his preparations for a Moroccan dinner later tonight. I have cut fresh mint for the salad. The table is set and I am beginning my blog. Rick Stein's food show is on Austar. What could be better? I am told that we are to have a South Australian, red wine with this evening's meal. Oops! I just remembered that I am making dessert. While I'm doing that take a look at Michelle's biscuits. Back again; my dessert prepped. Puff pastry logs topped with pastry art deco and sprinkles of raw sugar. Later these were filled with caramel and double cream. All served with fresh strawberries, blueberries, a round of dark chocolate and ice cream. Lightly dusted with icing sugar and hey presto.

Afternoon Shared

The Sun has moved and the wind still blows so we have ventured back inside and opened up the drapes to allow the warmth and light to fill the lounge room. I dragged the lounge to face the window in order to soak in the rays and enjoy the company of Anne and Gary. The afternoon was convivial. We hadn't caught up with them since Bastille celebrations; weeks ago. Stephen had prepared lunch so I organised a platter. Our conversation turned to Europe and our Tuscan, holiday in 2008. Excitement is growing as we approach September's European holiday, departure date. Gary reminded us that not many travel with a sommalier, a chef, personal trainer, two journalists and a fitter-machinist. Paris will never be the same for any of us again. It's a good thing that Stephen is a manager as someone will need to manage the party. In the party there's a mix of experienced travellers and one complete novice so I expect many dialogue opportunities as we gather in Paris to share and make memories together. Some in our travel party still await the arrival of passports but they seem to be underway. While I am writing this the winds have stiffened and there is a definite blast of cold air engulfing the house. Only this afternoon I walked down to the back fence to capture the earliest notions of Spring. Perhaps I was too hasty. Our visitor Anne had warned earlier that we were in for a change and I believe that the change has descended upon the valley. The wind's eerie wailing has spooked me.

August Winds Bring On Spring

August is here and so too are the winds. When we moved here in 1990 we quickly discovered why Windella was so named. The winds have been with us for two days now. Sun is shining and out of the wind it is actually pleasant to be outside. I like going to the fruit shop at Greenhills as the products are often unique and at times I wonder what some of the food items are and how one cooks them. Today we picked up a few specialty Italian products for a pasta night but for lunch Stephen prepared Salade Nicoise. Despite the wind, we sat outside under the pergola to enjoy the sun and the view while we ate our lunch. Werealise that the August winds usually mean an average rainfall in the coming months. When the winds don't blow in August we tend to head towards drought so the winds are not necessarily a bad omen.

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.