Cooking.

I know, a strange subject for me but hang around and all will become clear.

Di was cooking and looking through some of her many cook books and I noticed this one which was her Mothers. Apparently it was given out with each new gas cooker.

Its in rather a poor condition ....

.... but considering it was published in 1933, its done well ....

.... and even included a number of Moms hand written recipes.

Interesting inside cover showing companies long gone.

Anyway, I thought that this book was too precious to be let fall completely apart so went looking for a replacement. Of course one was found, quite cheaply, via the internet. Its not in the best condition, has been well used but its not falling apart.

This one dates back to 1951. The book now appears to be out of print and the latest edition I could find reference to was from 1968.

When the book arrived, what I found amazing with this copy was that inside there were the original instructions for fitting the gas cooker!

I'm amazed that they have survived and not been thrown away.

Fruit and Fungi

A late Fathers Day present, grow your own mushrooms, in this case Golden Oysters.

I haven't had them before so was surprised at how small and delicate they are but still very tasty.

All mine as I'm the only mushroom eater in the house, as long as Alex isn't staying over.. 

Another of my favourites, Rhubarb.

Just $2.00 a bunch, cooks up beautifully and last a fair while as I'm the on;y one that eats it. Two bunches here. With custard or ice cream, Yummy.

Catch-up continued

A walk around Windsor to see some of the new wall art works.

Beautiful detail in the works.

Sunset over the rooftops.

One of the Bougainvillea's
 

This photo was taken while cutting back trees at the end of the garden. The pile of mulch is nearly central and just to the right of the clothes hoist. The pile got a lot bigger when all the cut backs were complete.

Catch-up

Its hard to believe but we have just had rain, at least a dozen drops. We have been promised more rain by the weather gurus but we have lost faith in their forecasts. We are in drought conditions and lots of bush fires around. I think at last count their were over 100 currently burning in NSW. I can't remember drought like this before and our government just talk about water management and do nothing.
Despite the very dry conditions, our garden still manages to look good and give us pleasure. I have been doing a lot of cutting back and with the help of a big mulching machine borrowed from a friend, we now have a mountain of mulch to spread around and keep any ground moisture in.

I know! but honestly it was the only way to do it and I was very careful. Everything was lashed down securely.

A pair of regular visitors.

A reminder of Beckys wedding back in 2002. This Azalea was part of the flower arrangements, was planted in the garden and is still doing well.

Bees in the orange blossom.

White and Blue Wisteria on the pergola.