The Birthday Dinner

My Dad decided he didn't want a party or any big celebration for his 80th birthday. Dear Mum had a brain wave and arranged for a chef they know from some cooking classes, Peter Blakeway, to come in and cook dinner for us.



The food was delicious - Dad wanted the food to be a suprise for him so Mum and I chose from a sample menu and we got it right! We started with Salmon Gravadlax with Toasted Brioche. Unfortunately I forgot to get a picture of the finished plates but here they are partway through assembly.


The main was Breast of Waikato Duck with Prunes and a Chocolate and Game sauce. Here are our plates partly assembled ....



And here they are fully assembled:

We finished with a Classic Lemon Tart with Berry Coulis and Lemon Posset. The tart had a wonderfully tart and fresh flavour.


Dear Dad thoroughly enjoyed it all and it was a very relaxed atmosphere. Chef Peter is a great guy who happily shared his knowledge and answered many questions from me as he cooked. He cleaned everything up and loaded all our plates into the dishwasher. He couldn't wash the wine glasses as we were still using them!

A Very Special Day

Thursday, December 16th, was my dear Dad's 80th Birthday!

I flew up to Tauranga the day before so I could be with my Folks and help celebrate

I'd knitted a jersey for him,as he discovered below

After several busy weeks where he hadn't had time to put things away, Dad decided to spend part of his special day tidying up his workbench.

Here is the "after" result!

No-Knead Bread

I'm by no means the first to make and love this bread. There are many entries on the internet for the recipe and I'm linking to Sarah's . Now I did use a little more yeast, but that is because my yeast is a little old.

And do check out Sarah's blog, All our Fingers in the Pie . She has some wonderful recipes and I'm looking forward to seeing her new kitchen in her home in Saskatchewan - fingers crossed that everything is in by Christmas.



(yes - Mickle has finally sat down and looked up how to do links)

Still here

Yes, I'm still around - have been reading and commenting while not blogging myself for almost a month. I have also been doing lots of knitting, only I can't show any of the results yet as the recipients might just pop in here.

We are now in Summer which means Zebby spends more time out from under his battered quilt (the battering is all his own work) and instead lounges on his beloved old red bathmat, however my lad is refusing to smile for or even look at the camera.



My New Zealand flax plant has started flowering, providing a nectar treat for the local birds, especially the Tuis.



Here is today's scrumptious loaf of "No Knead" bread when it was just out of the oven. Only 4 ingredients needed (flour, water, salt and yeast), it is delicious with a crunchy crust and a soft, moist crumb. Most has been sliced and put into the freezer - it is so hard to wait for the loaf to cool down before slicing into and devouring it.



The veggie garden is growing beautifully - November was far warmer and dryer than usual in NZ so all the plants got an excellent start. I had to water them every evening until today when it actually rained. You can see how dry the soil is all around the plants containers and the grass has dried off way earlier than usual.

Here I have basil, oregano, Lebanese cucumbers, a little gem squash, rainbow beetroot (beets), more radishes, buttercrunch lettuce, sugarsnap peas and 3 rainbow carrots, all raised from seed. In addition there are 2 zucchini plants, a tomato plant, rainbow chard and an apple cucumber that I bought as seedlings.




At the other end of the flat are the dwarf beans (green and yellow varieties) and another little gems squash (again all raised from seed) together with 4 more tomato plants (the type is Money Maker) and a couple more rainbow chard plants. I've never grown tomatoes before!


I'm sure everything will kick into production while I'm away over Christmas - thankfully I have some wonderful neighbours across our shared driveway who will not only water the veg for me, but pick anything looking to be ripe. I hope they eat them too.

Yes, poor old Zebby is in for his annual cattery stay at his vet centre - now renamed "Pet Doctors", not that Zeb appreciates the name change. Luckily the staff there really like Zeb because of his gentle and affectionate nature (my darling wussy cat) so he will get plenty of hugs and cuddles from them.

Its getting late here so, with huggles from me and grumbly snoring from Zebby Cat, Nighty Night Folks.

First Harvest of Vege

Yes - the ever reliable radish. I can report that all parts have been used; the leaves went into soup (super thanks, dear Marjie) while the red globes are being munched upon by Mickle.

I was supervised as I pulled the radish plants - and Zebby was also demonstrating his "Sphinx pose", a sign of a happy and warm Zebby Cat.



Only that sunshine was really hot; Wellington got to 21C which is like a full-on Summer's Day here! Zebby's human was wearing a short sleeved T-shirt for the first time since March!



So back inside to the shade, and onto "his" bed to perfect his indoor Sphinx while I made the soup.

I don't think Egyptian Sphinxes had as much ample, fluffy and generous feline tummy, lol!

Springtime progresses ....

There are huge flower heads starting to form on the cabbage trees, said to be a sure sign that we will get a good Summer. The tree in the above picture is on the section of land next to the flats.



I photographed this one on the way up the hill - the flower spikes are younger but will soon be strong.

Beside the bus stop this pelagonium was doing strong, poking though its humans' fence to show such a pretty flower.

Mean while back at the ranch ... two zucchini (courgette) plants finally planted in their big pots, with sugar snap peas in front and a mixed medley of 3 carrots, a small quantity of radishes and small (fingers crossed for results) multi coloured beets. With the oregano from last year in front to encourage them all.

Next up I need to plant 6 "money maker" tomato plants into containers along side my mystery "which summer squash" seedlings - either little golden mini squash (pattypans to UK readers or scallopini to us downunder) or they are the KamoKamo/zuch hybrids like last year. Full on guessing to us all as only one type germinated in my indoor pots, and I can't remember what was in which mini peat-pot.

Have started a new Kamokamo/Zuch hybrid in a wee peat pot as promised one for my neighbours. Have also started new lots of dwarf beans (hoping this 2nd lot germinate) , lebonese style cucumbers plus more sugar snap peas. All are lurking inside in their wee peatpots, ready to germinate, hopefully grow wonderfully on the living room windowsill, and then be planted out.

I confess that I have given up pretty gardening all for growing veggie plants - however the veg are in containers so there is still a chance for a flowering shrub to survive.

And the semi-vertical rest of my garden is well maintained, it just is unlikely to support any obviously edible stuff just now (except grass for Zebby Cat)

Those Brain-Fade Moments!

I just peeled an apple. Did I put the peelings into the scraps container ready to empty into the compost bin? Nope, I put them in the bag full of apples.

Last week I thought I was getting myself a bowl of potato chips (Brit.trans: crisps). I looked down to find I'd poured myself a lovely wee bowl of Zebby's dry cat food!

Then there was the occasion I put the toaster away, with the freshly made toast still in it.......

Zebby's answer to His daft human's actions is to sleep out of sight, well almost:

Springtime is back doing the usual Super Windy Thing

Carrots and and radishes doing the springtime thing is very nice - not so nice were the WomBoks (a chinese cabbage) that bolted madly in September so had to be harvested in October as they were very long and leggy while not happy with the October gale force winds. The long leaves were used in a fried rice stir-fry while the sturdy stems are in the compost bin. I expected plants with way more bunched up leaves like last year. This year's September fooled many here with its warmer than usual temps, then October has cooled a lot and reminded us of more usual Springtime weather patterns

Thankfully the radish attempts and the three carrots have survived sharing a home with those pesky WomBoks that bolted


On the plus side, a springtime dominated by gale force winds from the north does result in many chances to dry the towels and sheets outside



I do love the wonderful natural aroma that cotton sheets and towels dried out in the sun and wind have. It is well worth the battle to get each sheet and towel off the clothesline and into the clothes basket then inside in order to fold each one up in peace, with the opportunity to enjoy the fresh, nature given scent from each piece as I fold it. A scent of wind, and sunshine and of Wellington's clean air.

I admit I am very spoilt to live in a city where the air pollution gets blown away daily by the every day wind gusts, blusters and weather squalls. I've lived here since my 4th birthday. It would take one heck of a lot to convince me to live anywhere else.

And you know that my much loved ZebbyCat lives here with me, I'm not moving anywhere without him, and he wont move to any other place in any way happily, so here we are, Mickle and Zebby in our Happy Home!

During September ....

Yes, I know it is now October, but a bit has happened since my last post.

The Govt here has a scheme to get help get older homes insulated* - they pay 1/3rd of the cost. My wee flat qualified as "older" as it was built before 2000.

Along with underfloor insulation I've had a plastic sheeting placed over the ground in the basement to prevent dampness inside. Before that could be done the basement had to be emptied-



Then the insulation team put in the sheeting and stapled it into the ground, while also pushing the insulation up in between the floor joists.



This insulation is fireproof, and can easily be moved for any work on the wiring or plumbing.



Zebby stayed under his quilt while it all happened, and the first time he stepped outside the front door afterwards he refused to go any further - there were strange things under the clotheline! Eventually Zeb realised the old doors made a handy spot for playing "King of the Castle" and sunbathing.



Once all the junk from the basement had gone (whisked away up the demon steps by some rubbish removers) Zebby's garden was peaceful again with just the daisies for him to contemplate.

Okay - just the one daisy flower for Zebby to contemplate or flatten with a paw!


* there are similar insulation schemes in some Australian States

Kowhai

Springtime is definately here in Wellington. All sorts of trees introduced from the Northern Hemisphere are starting to show their glorious blossoms and blooms, and the fruit trees are so welcome. My local supermarket has a garden section, with plants raised to cope with Wellington's frequent strong wind. A joy to view every springtime in New Zealand is the flowering of the native Kowhai Tree -


This one has been planted in a small garden between the supermarket's garden centre and the ramp for cars to go down to the lower carpark! ( I took this photo while coming up the trolley ramp) Usually I 'm not a fan of golden yellow flowers, but this Kowhai Tree is so beautiful, a spot of golden glory amongst all the grey concrete and urban walls. Inspired planting by the supermarket's owners!

Another One!

Stick Insect that is - this time in the brown colourway. The head is at the top. It is holding the 3rd set of leggies together at the bottom.

Christchurch and the Canterbury area are still receiving many after-shocks - over 120 so far with some measuring as high as 5.1. I just heard on the radio news that the water supply has been thoroughly tested and has just now been given the all clear to drink (folks have had to boil all water for the past few days). The scientific boffins think this particular faultline hadn't moved for 16 thousand years, so you'll understand our suprise at Christchurch being hit!

All is fine at Mickle and Zebbycat's home this evening - I'm blogging and he's snoring.

Wellington is okay

Many thanks for the comments and emails asking about our welfare after the huge earthquake down in Christchurch.

The quake was felt in Wellington but not by us - Mickle and Zebby slept through it all, completely unaware, and we have no damage. My Uncle and Aunt who live in Christchurch were over at their holiday home in Akaroa on Banks Peninsula. While they would have felt the quake the worst they had was no electricity today. Of course they have yet to check their Christchurch home however, for now they are better to stay put. If we were to pick a city here to be struck by a major earthquake Christchurch is probably the last one we would think of - Wellington is considered to be overdue "the big one".

Christchurch is built on an alluvial plain which shook like jelly (jello). A lot of the damage to homes is from brick chimneys falling down. There is a great deal of damage in the inner city, especially to older buildings built from bricks. While talking with my sister Liz (over in London, UK) tonight we realised that Christchurch hasn't had the massive redevelopment that has happened in Wellington and Auckland. We have very strict building standards now.

Along with damage to buildings the water mains and sewer pipes are affected - some suburbs were flooded. While today and tomorrow have been dry, tomorrow Christchurch will be blasted with gale force winds which may affect already unstable buildings and structures.

For more information check out www.stuff.co.nz .

And on the third day of Spring ...

...nature delivered a sharp shock at 5.30pm. Flashes of lightening, deep booms of thunder and hail pelting down. Afterwards I opened the front door to this:


It very seldom snows here so this is the closest I get to cold, white, wet stuff lying around on the ground.


Full sympathy for my neighbour arriving home from work in the middle of it all - I wouldn't like to be coming down our demon steps with all the slippery hail stones.



After an unsettled half hour Zebby went back to the comfort of snuggling down on the bed under his battered quilty comforter, and peace returned to our home. Okay, so now it is sleeting but at least the boomies have gone away!

First day of Spring

The 1st of September and, amazingly, the sun shone and there was very little
wind or cloud so I had blue, blue skies above

and bright blue, blue grape hyacinth flowers just outside the front door.

With a green, green stick insect on the handrailing .....

And a purry, purry Zebbycat all snug, secure and cosy under his battered quilty comforter.

Never mind, Northern Hemispherers - the weather is due to pack up here tomorrow, back to wind and rain. Zebby will be fine inside; I'm the one who has to go out in it all, lol!

Wednesday ...

... was a beautiful Winter's day with lots of sun and little wind. I headed out in the afternoon and, for once, remembered to take the camera with me. First up we're looking south-east from the top of the driveway.


I walked up the road to the top and crossed over the next road. Here is the view, looking over to the west and the suburb of Karori.


Down the hill (the road that curves up on the right) to the bus-stop. While I waited I watched the building activity across the way. The little house on the lower left had been moved forward on the section so another dwelling could be built behind it - the horrible "in-fill" housing. Above and behind a house built in the 1920/30s is being renovated. The living space is being moved from the front to the back of the house where the best sun is.

Once in town I walked over to the supermarket. To get there I have to go through our Parliament Grounds. Nothing new to me as I used to walk through them to get to High School.


A little hard to tell as the light wind chose to disappear, but flags on all Govt buildings were flying at halfmast as it was the day of the funeral of a New Zealand soldier who had been killed on active service in Afghanistan.




Now it is Saturday evening and the rain is pouring down while the wind blows. Zebby has hunkered down under his "quilt" leaving me free to knit. These days his interference has moved from swinging on the knitting needles to patting me on the thigh, claws extended. My darling menace!

Ah, August

The days are getting a little longer and new growth is appearing in my wilderness - like the arum lily that has self-sewn itself in the middle of the parsley patch!


The first flowers are opening on the grape hyacinths. They will deepen to an almost purple-blue.



And the lawn-mowing service has just visited so "His Rotundity" has to hunt more to find long grass to munch upon.



Determined hunting activity (moving forward by one foot) delivers a tasty treat. You've got to have your greens.



Back inside Zebby can work off the excess energy on his new scratching board. This board is way more fun than clawing at the curtains - and His human doesn't yell at him either.


Mind you, she's still not keen on the Zebster "poke her in the face" wake-up method!