Welcome to Winter

Today is the second day of Winter and what a lovely day it has been! When I think of Winter, the first thing that comes to mind is the comforting, warm and hearty meals that my mother served up to us, day in and day out. From the warm porridge in the morning, to the lovely aroma of roasts or freshly baked cakes in the afternoon and evening, it isn't hard to see why Winter for me is synonymous with food. Incidentally my other passion, red wine also reminds me of Winter. Full bodied red wines, namely a mature Shiraz, or even a blend of Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon also remind me of winter. The maturity and depth of taste accompany, so beautifully, the meals that adorn the tables in Winter.

Food and Wine are two of my greatest passions - granted. Another passion is reading and I have read a number of literary masterpieces that in some way or another mentioned Winter.

The first poem that came to mind was Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem, 'Frost at Midnight.' It is a poem that establishes the beauty of nature - an idyllic image of a city covered in a blanket of fog and snow in Winter. I will leave you with one last thought from Pietro Aretino, an Italian poet and writer of the 1500's...who had indeed lived an interesting life to say the least. He was quoted as saying. "let us love Winter, for it is the spring of genius." To all of my friends in the southern hemisphere - enjoy Winter!

Keep a look out for details about the Sydney Winter Festival... an iceskating rink will be constructed near St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney.