smashing raspberries

Did you know that, according to Google (how would we live without Google?), there are approximately 720,000 seeds in 18 kilograms of raspberries? And I removed every one of those seeds by hand. I never thought I would ever say that I have had my fill of raspberries. Raspberry coulis - tick.

a wedding is nice

My daughter Sonya's wedding is imminent - she is marrying her long time partner Toby. A wedding is a nice way to bring family and friends together. The cake is made, the serviettes are being sewn almost as I write and the dressmakers are busy stitching. Not long now...

Ma might, but Pa won't

Marmite is a Kiwi icon. No other food product fuels more debates than the "marmite or vegetmite?" question.  To add to the silliness I used to ask my kids if they wanted 'Ma might but Pa won't' on their toast.  It is reassuring to see that Max is also a marmite eater and did not succumb to the dark side during the shortage.

busy as a bee...

...with a bum full of honey! It's one of my favourite expressions - always brings a smile to my face. As a lover of blue flowers, my garden is full of these busy bees doing their thing. Thank you bees.

shiny new

I have indulged myself with the purchase of a new coffee machine, one that grinds it's own beans.  One early morning coffee a day -  without having to leave the house -  one of life's little luxuries.

going to the zoo

Max and Sonya took me to the Auckland Zoo - it's amazing! They have a zoo pass and Max loves it. I think his first word just might be "giraffe'. These are my first photos with my new 50mm prime lens - nice.

parsley, sage, rosemary and ...

oregano, coriander, mint, basil, spearmint, vietnamese mint. I love being able to pick fresh herbs whenever the fancy takes me. They are the most satisfying thing to grow.