An ode to Saturdays

Thank you for the hope and energy that you inspire in me!

Thank you for the time, that seems to move at a much more civilised pace. Thank you for the lovely breakfast with Mark at Brasserie Bread. Thank you for the quiet moments in the day, for time to retreat and rest, for time to talk with friends.

Thank you for the sunny days, to run past ponds, creeks, airports and parks. Thank you for friends to meet for an afternoon walk along the bay.

Thank you for weekend papers...with thoughtful articles and inspiring fare to bake! Thank you for a comforting dinner, for Icy Poles and Frosty Fruits. Thank you for our Monopoly board that only ever seems to come out on a weekend.

Thank you for family, for friends and most of all, to God for blessing us with this day!

Saturday Mornings

Well goodmorning everybody! I know that you have probably been awake for some hours now (not my friends in the Northern Hemisphere) or maybe you have been resting. In any case it is a beautiful Saturday morning in Sydney. I have been for a 10km run - my first run in two weeks. I am pleased to report NO BLISTERS!! It was such a good feeling to just run, run, run through the streets and parks of Sydney.

After my run and my lovely husband's walk, we went to Brasserie Bread and Cafe in Banksmeadow for breakfast! It was a lovely morning where I got to spend time just chatting with my lovely husband and eating delicious food. I had sourdough pancakes with fresh banana and maple syrup. Mark had poached eggs, fresh trout with parsley and fetta salad on sourdough. We both had coffees and freshly squeezed orange juice.

The atmosphere at Brasserie Bread is light and lively. It is children and family friendly. They have baking classes on in a kitchen. We purchased some delicious bread to bring home... fig and walnut bread, caramelised garlic and balsamic bread and their traditional sourdough. If you have never tried artisan bread, you should. It is cooked using traditional methods, slowly and without the preservatives and sugars that fill much of the bread in grocery stores.

Whatever your Saturday morning holds for you...I hope you enjoy it!

Rest...finally, thank you Autumn!

Oh it has been a whirlwind of a week! I have been unwell and it has taken its toll. The stress and pressure to get things done at work, as well as deal with a range of requests and demands of people, whilst not feeling the best, has been a challenge, but one I can say that I got through! The main thing that has sustained me all week, is cooking delicious meals with loads of vegetables. There is something very calming about homemade soup. Whether it is nursing a mug of soup or clasping a bowl of soup, it is a feeling that is reminicient of warmth and feeling nurtured. Perfect for when one is under the weather!

Tonight I made some tuna patties and grean pea mash. It was a delicous albeit very simple meal to make. My husband actually pureed the peas, as well as clean the kitchen. He loves to help and it's great that we share the duties around home. I know this should be everybody's reality, however, it isn't and I am thankful for his generosity.

At present I am watching the food channel, about to fall asleep. It's amazing how food and the company of loved ones can settle ones' feelings and make other tasks seem so much more manageable.

It is raining outside. That lovely, soft, gentle and constant rain has provided a beautiful ambience. My plants on both balconies seem to be enjoying it. I look forward to blogging at some stage on Sunday. Have a wedding to go to tomorrow! I hope you enjoy your weekend!

Am having family over for dinner on Sunday... will let you know what I decide to cook!

Have a great weekend, the first weekend of Autumn!

Welcome to Autumn!

This is one of my favourite seasons! As a child I would firmly attest that Summer was my favourite! To a great extent it still is. I love water - I am drawn to the sea and love the fact that Summer provides bright sunny days and clear skies, so that snorkelling is fantastic. I love the long evenings for walks and tennis, and catching up with friends.

I have to say though, as I get older (and no, no melancholy here) I really am beginning to appreciate Autumn. For a while it was just one of those transitory seasons, but now, I am really coming to appreciate all that Autumn is.

I love the seasonal foods. Today I was feeling under the weather and made a delicious vegetable soup. I was actually craving vegetable soup all day!

I loved the fact that the first day of Autumn was autumnal in the weather as well! Such a relief from the stifling humidity of the weeks just passed.

On Sunday we bought a gorgeous palm tree. I will post some pictures of my balcony garden soon!

So happy to be cooking and gardening.