First swim

It's a holiday weekend in New South Wales.

 Labour Day, commemorating the eight-hour working day for Australians. 

It also recognises workers' contributions to the local economy.
It's an annual public holiday and its date varies across our states and territories.

I celebrated my contribution to the economy this week by having an early swim yesterday afternoon.

By this I mean my first dip for the summer season in the harbour at Balmoral.

The Rotunda at Balmoral, a favourite landmark

I can't recall getting into the water in Sydney in September -  ever!  

I usually swim through to April- so I am optimistic for a long swimming season this year.

Outside temperature was unseasonably warm and humid - 31C or 92F.

I wasn't the only one

It was bracing and refreshing at 18.1C or 67 F when I dived in and it really cleared the end of work week cobwebs away.

The extra warmth in the air as I walked back to my towel quickly took the chill away.

I believe there are two types of swimmers - those that swim when the temperature of the water equals or is greater than the temperature of the air.

Or people like me - who swim to cool off!

If it's your turn - dive in and have a great long weekend.

It's politics.

A non-typical citylife night for me .

Politics

An  intimate gathering hosted by the North Sydney Forum  for Joe Hockey ( Federal Shadow Treasurer).  Joe has been a great friend of tourism in Australia.

I didn't like to take photos or look like I was recording anything ( Mitt Romneys nightmare).

So as a non-partisan blogger I have one comment.

You have to admire  the confidence and optimism of politicians - whatever party and whenever it maybe.

How do they do that? Everyday.

That's politics, I suppose.

Another Bloomin' Birthday

It used to be that this blossom always bloomed around my birthday.

With the wacky weather of the last decade it hasn't seemed to coincide.

This year it did.

Just in time to celebrate my double nickel.

City Bread

As much as I enjoy making bread on the farm it is much easier in my busy city life to buy my bread. Have you noticed that bakeries are the latest food mecca?
 They are everywhere. I know people that travel miles to get their favourite loaf.

Today I dropped into The Bourke Street Bakery in Alexandria after a meeting at the airport.   I have driven past on several occasions and noticed a crowd and thought it must be good.

They make everything by hand including organic sourdough and pastries and cakes.

The coffee was excellent - smooth and full bodied
(sadly something which is hard to find in the US,  particularly outside of the bigger cities).

The staff were friendly 

And I'm looking forward to trying these loaves- particularly the fennel, cherry and raisin loaf on the left.

 A baker's life is a hard one, with its long and antisocial hours creating the staff of life for a demanding audience.

I do hope they earn a good crust (excuse the pun) for their effort!

Back in Sydney again

And it seems nothing has changed since I left in June- the Gillard and Rudd challenge continues to make headlines. I wish they'd just get it over with.

Makes a change though from the US election hype.

Arrived back without luggage, although I have been assured that it is en route and will be delivered today.

I hope so - I have two very full suitcases of clothing and Christmas presents.

The favourable exchange rate and low prices stateside meant that there was really no reason to not shop. Clothing prices in Australia are ridiculously high.  I am not sure why we continue to be gutted at the cash register- but it means I don't and won't buy anything here.  

I do without until I get back to the mid west.

Spring has sprung here and all around me are vibrant azaleas in full bloom.

They always remind me of my Mum. It is still strange to come back after being away and find her not here.

 She would have loved seeing these blooms outside her window.

Farewell Dinner

My last night here for now.

We usually plan a "farewell to the farm for now" dinner for just the two of us and last night was one of the best.

Smoked salmon as we watched the sun go down

Duck Confit that we bought in France in May last year. 

We were curious  to try this canned version from the supermarket, to see how it rated compared to the ones we had eaten in France or had bought on line here in cryovac.

It was excellent - and perfectly cooked by Mark. Crispy skinned, moist and meaty.

The potatoes from our garden I cooked in the duck fat - they were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

The walnut oil dressing on our salad with apples and walnuts had enough acid to cut the fattiness of the duck - so that each mouthful was perfectly balanced. 

Gluttons that we are we didn't stop there and why would we? 

There were 2 apple crumbles waiting for us to eat with the last of our homemade vanilla ice cream

 When I started this blog I didn't realise how much I would end up writing about food and what we grow, prepare and eat. 

 In our city life a good meal is also something we relish - but here, when we often are planning meals around the produce from our garden and when we have more time to spend putting a delicious meal together it is a passion.

It is always sad to leave here. I often wish the farm was closer to Sydney - but if it was it wouldn't be the same.  These two different countries gives us two completely different lives.

Farewell to my farmlife for now-will see you in Sydney next week!

Eating Well again

The last six weeks here has seen us enjoy tomatoes, pears, apples and potatoes from our garden prepared in a variety of ways.

Our favourite salad for this summer was the Hot and Hot Fish Club Tomato Salad.

 This was served to most of guests during August. When you are on a winner....

Our presentation got better each time.

Layers of a variety of heirloom tomatoes which had been  bathed in a balsamic dressing, sitting on top of blacked eyed peas and sauteed corn, drizzled with a lemon chive dressing and garnished with cherry tomatoes and basil and a rasher of crisp bacon placed strategically on its crown.

To die for.

Can't wait to go to the restaurant in Birmingham Alabama - Mark swears that their shrimp and grits are the best.