Taking a stroll in the bush right now takes you into a land of growth and plenty. We are awash with toadstool and fungi with swathes of spores sprouting in the moist conditions. You can’t help admire their tenacity to sprout and spend their short life during winter. There is no doubt that nature is [...]
Baking with a hint of history
28 June 2010 1 Comment
I never thought that my New Zealand baking odyssey this year would also be a lesson history. One of our recent baking exploits took us back to the Boer War and the Siege of Ladysmith to be precise. Under siege for 118 days when food became scarce it’s hardly surprising that a good celebration was [...]
How would you like to hongi a pig?
27 June 2010 1 Comment
A hongi a big thing in New Zealand. The touching nose routine is something that Fortnum is working hard to perfect. Never more so when one of the neighbours comes calling. In this case it’s a tame wild pig that’s grown up in a field next door since it was tiny porker rescued from the [...]
Mind mapping – the perfect antedote to a southerly
26 June 2010 2 Comments
With the rain lashing down and the wind whipping around the house there is nothing better than hunkering down in front of the fire to dream of summer. After some pottering on the internet I downloaded a marvellous free tool for mind mapping, Xmind. It’s helped me work map out my kitchen garden stock for [...]
A moment in the spotlight
26 June 2010 1 Comment
When the sun in New Zealand shines it brings me immediate warmth and nourishment. I love the sun and light so right now I’m feeling visually and emotionally challenged. It’s not full blown SAD but there is no doubt I lose a bit of spring in my step during winter. But sunshine can come in [...]
The promise of a rose garden
26 June 2010 3 Comments
According to Greek mythology it was Chloris, the goddess of flowers who created the rose (Rhodon) from the body of a beautiful nymph lying in the forest. It’s a romantic thought that I might pop up to the local forest and pick a few roses of my own instead of them arriving by mail. But [...]
We deserve a break this winter
24 June 2010 1 Comment
I was asked today whether I would ever consider leaving New Zealand because of the dreadful weather. It was a powerful question to ponder as I watched the retched rain pummel down creating mini lakes around the house and the gale force gusty wind causing the trees to bow. On balance I think not, although [...]
Bright winter blues
22 June 2010 2 Comments
Crisp morning air and blue skies again today heralded another sunny but chilly day in paradise. These are fast becoming the best parts of the day. Closeted in my office there is no time for lingering outside but I do enjoy the time before the phone rings. Time to release the chickens for their breakfast [...]
Another vegetable growing first
21 June 2010 Leave a Comment
Pulling the latest new vegetable from the Kitchen Garden today took a great deal more effort than I imagined. The nobbly celeriac had put down roots into the ground requiring a deep dig to retrieve it from the plot. I grew these from seed and like all the other first harvests from the kitchen garden [...]
The laundry thief
20 June 2010 1 Comment
One day of glorious sunshine on Saturday brought out the mischief in our little basset. As we were busy weeding, digging and planting roses Mason decided he should help with the laundry. You’ve got to love him for his kind gesture and that butter wouldn’t melt look on his face. I was so pleased to [...]
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