Mothers' Day

I accepted an invitation for a  Mothers' Day, High Tea. The fog cleared and the sun shone as the TR7 pulled into the drive at Kate's. I was greeted by tiers of delicately laden cake platters. Platters that had been arranged with the greatest of care. Home made savoury and sweet treats that had been baked, prepped, sliced and cut to impress. I was impressed, by the variety, that everyone had some part in delivering to the table. Comfy seating encouraged a casual and relaxed morning where some sipped cider, some tea and others bubbles. A wonderful Mothers' Day. Exceptional!

My Birthday

Thank you for your company, your kind words, sharing a meal and your gifts. Birthdays are special because of the people who share them with you.

Thank you

At Lillino's I've developed a passion for the many traditional, Sardinian recipes. If it's not the gnocchi or the homemade pasta. then it's the panacotta that invites me back each week. In the warmer months I favour the Insalata Mista or the bruschetta to begin the dining experience. As the nights have grown cooler it's the pasta or risotto that I prefer. I usually follow with a chalkboard special. Sometimes the fish of the day but on Thursday evening my preference was definitely the veal. The finest slices of veal bathed in  a sauce featuring slivers of fresh mushrooms; so tasty. However, last night was also tinged with a little sadness, for a very familiar personality packs his bags and heads home. Talga Road had been his home away from home for many months. Rome now beckons and he must go. He left a parting legacy for a few fortunate customers. Wonder who will the last to savour the pasta that he made prior to his departure. Thank you. It was a pleasure meeting you. Ciao.

Flute case not needed for this wombat

3:00am - I woke to banging and crashing noises that sounded like they were coming from inside the house. Wide awake. Was it a prowler? A home invasion? Rapid breathing, heart racing I plucked up the courage to investigate; but, I was in bed. No weapons, nothing. Wait. I remember a flute case under the bedside table. I grab that and head to the kitchen. I expect to clobber the noise source. My two hands grip the flute case. It's raised overhead. I crept to the kitchen. Lights spring to my aid. Stephen checks doors and windows and I the porch. Was it the florist delivering my flowers that were supposed to be delivered for Mothers' Day? Was the florist so busy that my floral arrangement was being delivered a day late? No. No flowers. No florist stumbling in the dark. Nothing obvious amiss. Back to bed. Door firmly locked should the intruder or noise source, miraculously appear. Surprisingly, sleep came. 5:00am and I was up. A little fragile and feeling like I had imagined the whole 3:00am thing. Soon daylight would bring relief. I needed to investigate beyond the porch. A glimpse of my new outdoor setting piqued my interest. Tumbled and strewn cushions on the porch. The cover slip grounded. How? Who had done this to my brand new setting? Fear forgotten and my stride determined. The glass doors flung open. I made for those cushions. Scattered candles and pots lay on the ground. Now I was angry. What vandal had visited by place of relaxation? Bending to pick up the candles and pots, I saw it. I think that I saw it. A huge hairy rump had squeezed itself onto the coffee table's shelf. First thought. Wow. That's one big bush rat! Back-up. Full throttle. Processing now. Light-bulb moment. Stephen! Walter is back! From the kitchen his roaring laugh released the tension that had been building since 3:00am. Walter had gate crashed the coffee table and believed that he was safely hidden from prying eyes. The sun was up and it was, after-all, his bedtime.

Everyone knows that he likes to sleep during the day. I slid the flute case back where it belonged. Until next time. Walter is back ....

Just what I always wanted ...

Have you ever wanted something but seriously thought that it would not be? This week I realised that you just need to be patient. Good things come to those who wait. I have waited a few years and never really expected that I would be fortunate enough to have an outdoor lounge setting. Now that my wish has been granted I feel totally decadent as I recline on the lounge. The lounge that allows me to sit within a few feet of the garden and to watch the valley and hills across the way. A perfect ending to a day of pampering. Mothers' Day. Flowers, chocolates and lounges. Such luxury. Thank you everyone.

Out and About - Leogate ... Hunter Valley

As you enter Leogate's Cellar Door you are immediately struck by the calm elegance.  Stunning overhead lighting, a large open fire, leather seating and striking drapery that gently puddles at each window, welcomes the visitor. Large, display cabinets of fine jewellery invite closer inspection. Then I remember that I have ventured past roadworks and large machines to taste the wines offered at the bar. The bar unabashedly dressed in panels of silver now beckons. I am handed a glass of the sparkling Chardonnay that I sip as I stroll to take in the other elements in the room. Shelves stocked with produce arranged in jars and bottles designed to tempt the palate, to make a purchase. Sarah, cites the qualities of each wine that follows. We continue to taste. We make purchases. In the near future I look forward to returning and tasting from the restaurant's tables.

Surprise ... It's Finished!

It has taken far too long but it is finally finished. I do hope Anne likes it. Everything was recovered and awaiting assembly; just four, little brass screws was all that was needed, or so I thought. Stephen tried to slip the chair's back into the frame. He realised that it simply did not fit. Gentle force, still not going to fit. All of the fabric and my beautifully straight line of staples were never going back into that newly stained and lacquered frame. What to do? Back to the beginning. We stripped everything we had done right back to the original, felt of the backrest. It's age now exposed and its pock marked timber too. There were in fact two layers of old green fabric beneath the new cream upholstery. What a surprise! Screwdrivers and pincers savaged and wrestled the myriad of tacks that were secreted underneath. Finished and Anne had the privilege of being the first to sit on her mother's old chair.