Tulloch's In The Hunter

Since we were spending New Year's Eve in the vineyards we had secured accommodation nearby. As luck would have it we noted a newish building on the road to our cottage. The two storey tasting rooms of Keith Tulloch was an impressive sight as we made our way through the myriad of roads that drew the tourists to Pokolbin. The verandah area was dotted with several groups of such tourists sampling the nectar of the vines. As we frequented the Cellar Restaurant we had partaken of Tulloch's wines on many occasions so when the opportunity presented to actually pause and try other wines by the same winemaker it was a must make stop. Parking a plenty so that was easy. The garden and lawn courtyard by cellar door elegantly introduced us to the upstairs tasting rooms. Keith Tulloch took time from his busy day to share his knowledge, his wine making expertise and even a little Tulloch family history. I urge the tourist and locals that as they leave the cellar door that the Muse restaurant offers the highest quality cuisine and service not to be missed. The pate, the terrine, the shared venison and desserts offered us the finest lunch experience. My preference and recommendation is for The Kester, a Shiraz. I hope that others find it to their liking too!

Farewell 2011

To welcome in the New Year we were invited once again to share the festivities at Jeni and Alain's home. This year's theme was the 1950's. I researched the period online and discovered fashions that I had long forgotten. Slim waists, beatniks, Hawaiian shirts, hats and gloves and of course ties. What to wear? No longer slim waisted so give that a miss. Possibly really never was. How did they achieve that look? Was it the corsets, the 'step-ins'? They did look as if they were going to a premieres just to go shopping or the like. Some fashions seemingly so formal. None the less Stephen and I donned our chosen attire and set forth bravely to see what the other guests had conjured. Margaret had done her homework well and she had reflected perfectly the 1950's. Chris too had ensured parity with the times. Jeni, were you in the kitchen again all night for I have no picture once again. Soon I will venture into your kitchen and snap a memory of our NYE, fun times that you host so well.

Stephen Cooks For Us

Some people celebrate Christmas for days if not weeks later as family travel back to the family home. Our family is one that celebrates in stages as family members arrive from different parts of the state. I have begun to like the habit of the extended festive season for Christmas is a happy time of the year. This year we had decided on an Italian theme for a bit of variety from the more traditional Christmas fare. To start, a platter, where conversation allows us to catch up. Thence, a combination of freshly cooked pastas in a variety of sauces. Side salads and dessert to finish. This year's chocolate tart dessert included a generous portion of a new recipe -- of whipped mousse. I can see that it will become a regular at our table. Bon bons essential items and even the donning of the hideous paper hats complete the meal. The reading and sharing of jokes that some of us recall from our childhood. Whilst some things change nothing changes. Christmas is good like that.

A Bridge Too Far

On our trip to Queensland for Christmas I was fortunate enough to be able to stop by the side of the road and capture the image of a bridge that's life is almost at an end. The bridge is well beyond use and repair. Its timbers slowly rotting and there was evidence of flood debris in its beams. Whilst many things washed away during the January 2011 floods somehow this remarkable old bridge stood firm. During its life it must have withstood numerous flood events. Time not floods will slowly lead to its demise and only photographs will remember its style and brilliance. Rails once firm and confident are twisted and warped with age. Wonder if a traveller will drive by in years to come and look at the piers and try to imagine what was once standing on the columns of brick.

Thank You

One Saturday night Anne and Gary entertained and cooked dinner for us. Didn't need to go far for this restaurant quality dinner. The entree of diced avocado and prawns in salmon boats was prepared and served par excellence. Mains of Christmas flavours and colours preceded dessert. Dessert, a sumptuous poached pear with chocolate, double cream and ice cream left me asking who needs to go to restaurants to enjoy superb cuisine when we have neighbours like Anne and Gary? Thank you for the special treat. Hope that we can return to favour soon.

Road Trips

It had been many years since our children had dared to accept our invitation to undertake a road trip together. Road trips with adult children -- not fashionable. Fascinating concept. It had been a few years since we hit the pavement together in our family car. Apparently, in 2011, adult children don't travel in the same car with their parents; even when the journey is more than 9 hours long. Our two cars left separately with arrangements to meet at Armidale. Armidale the first stop over made in reasonable time. A family room as luck would have it. A two bedroom suite where we could bond over pizza. Pizza ordered to our room. In the 40 minutes that we had taken up residence in the hotel it already resembled one of the bedrooms of my childrens' youth. Bags dropped on beds, clothes on the floor and electronic devices consuming their attention. Eyes glued to telephone screens and fingers punching messages to distant friends advising them of every minute detail of the trip thus far. A minor distraction to actually take a break and eat dinner while texting and taking calls. Did we want to order breakfast to our room before setting off tomorrow? No, of course not; the golden arches the preferred breakfast option for our two young travellers. Not mine but I am a happy hostess. The additional incentive of the poolside bar service at the journey's end was also planned in order to recover from the long dry trip.

Hiddenvale Possum

As we left Cotton's we made our way across the lawn between the tennis court and the gardens that lined the verandah. We startled a possum that was hungrily devouring a mango. A mango that had dropped from a nearby tree. The young possum so intent on its fresh, mango, supper that he was unaware of our approach. Instinct stronger than its need to finish its dinner it scampered up the closest tree. Its wistful eyes caught in the camera's flash peered down at us. The fallen treasure abandoned on the ground with little teeth marks scaring its flesh. A selfish desire to stay an watch the possum's antics was quickly ignored. The possum stared at us from the safety of the overhead tree branch while his dinner lay at our feet. We had dined at Cotton's and now it was the possum's time to dine too. The three of us left quietly hoping that the possum would resume its meal in peace.