Sunday, May 3, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Many mushies pasta
For my birthday, Tim bought me a pasta maker. It is heavenly. It's stainless steel, shiny, solid and a beautiful piece of machinery. It also requires levels of patience that I do not have and sadly were not included in the box. I can stand and stare at it for ages, but when it comes to neatly rolling pasta...aaarrrgggggh!!!! So my job has become to make the dough and patient, calm Tim is the roller of pasta. I have managed lasagne sheets (not without cussing) but to be honest anything more is probably not feasible if a) we want home made nice looking pasta and b) we want to keep the machine in one piece.
So. Following a trip to my new best markets, we had a mountain of mushies (wild pine, those long little ones, swiss brown, those weird white ones, oysters and a few others) with which to make a delicious feast. These little guys are my fave. I reckon you could live under these. But only if they were pink and spotted.
The mushies we cooked really simply, with butter, garlic and thyme from the herb garden, and some stock right at the end. The pasta making happened thanks to Tim:
Isn't it dreamy? There was actually enough pasta for 18 people (I love carbs, but even I have my limits) so the mushies were slightly lost, but the ample wine consumed during the evening of preparation made me completely unconcerned.
So. Following a trip to my new best markets, we had a mountain of mushies (wild pine, those long little ones, swiss brown, those weird white ones, oysters and a few others) with which to make a delicious feast. These little guys are my fave. I reckon you could live under these. But only if they were pink and spotted.
The mushies we cooked really simply, with butter, garlic and thyme from the herb garden, and some stock right at the end. The pasta making happened thanks to Tim:
Isn't it dreamy? There was actually enough pasta for 18 people (I love carbs, but even I have my limits) so the mushies were slightly lost, but the ample wine consumed during the evening of preparation made me completely unconcerned.
Nesting
Recently, I went on a weekend jaunt to Our Nation's Capital with Tim and his folks to see the Degas exhibition at the National Gallery. It was a great weekend - I really enjoyed the exhibition (once Degas got over the awkward portraiture phase!) and also got a chance to catch up with both my brothers as well as J and GSquared (who lives in Canberra).
On our second day there, trapped in a suburb that we seemed to keep winding up in, Tim and I walked into a Chinese antique shop and found some coolie old Mao propaganda posters. As not-very-wealthy decorators, the 25 clams a pop was the right price and the crazy old propaganda cartoons tickled our fancy (particularly the one about the Korean war, with China supporting Korea with money and food, and American planes being shot down in the background). Just before going to Wagga we had them framed, thus ruining the cheap as chips appeal:
Crap photo. I took it.
They are going to be living in the study (which is currently a dumping ground as we're in the middle of merging possessions and finding places for things in the tiny apartment). I had a horrible (but environmentally friendly) light in the study (a 'daylight' energy saver. Do not buy. Go for any other colour), which we have since covered with a Chinese patterned lantern. Go Maz shopping!
Finally here is a picture of some flowers (a better photo, I'm learning!) that we bought at my new number one markets, the Everleigh Markets at The Carriage Works in Redfern. Farmer's markets a few suburbs away with amazing flowers, produce and, well, everything! Hurrah! If I actually ever ride my pushbike there I will be living the dream!
On our second day there, trapped in a suburb that we seemed to keep winding up in, Tim and I walked into a Chinese antique shop and found some coolie old Mao propaganda posters. As not-very-wealthy decorators, the 25 clams a pop was the right price and the crazy old propaganda cartoons tickled our fancy (particularly the one about the Korean war, with China supporting Korea with money and food, and American planes being shot down in the background). Just before going to Wagga we had them framed, thus ruining the cheap as chips appeal:
Crap photo. I took it.
They are going to be living in the study (which is currently a dumping ground as we're in the middle of merging possessions and finding places for things in the tiny apartment). I had a horrible (but environmentally friendly) light in the study (a 'daylight' energy saver. Do not buy. Go for any other colour), which we have since covered with a Chinese patterned lantern. Go Maz shopping!
Finally here is a picture of some flowers (a better photo, I'm learning!) that we bought at my new number one markets, the Everleigh Markets at The Carriage Works in Redfern. Farmer's markets a few suburbs away with amazing flowers, produce and, well, everything! Hurrah! If I actually ever ride my pushbike there I will be living the dream!
Two weddings and a grad!
The Congraduations went well, as far as these things do. The ceremony could not have been more dull, especially as I was quite early on. If I wasn't sitting right at the front next to the security guards I would have legged it after walking across the stage. As it was I stuck it out to the bitter end, to find afterwards that the refreshments I was dreaming of were sadly of the non alcoholic variety.
To remedy this, we (Tim, J and her squeeze GSquared) went for a boozy lunch at the Three Chefs (maybe it was called that? Some number of chefs, anyway), one of Wagga's better restaurants. I can't remember what I ate but I did drink adequately. We then followed a boozy lunch with a boozy dinner at the Magpie's Nest - another lovely Wagga restaurant set a wee bit out of town. It overlooks the city and we were there at sunset to watch the sun go down and the lights come up.
I remember what I ate here cos we'd joked about ordering the most elaborately named dish on the menu (while the food is great the descriptions are rather preposterous). I had the duck, and while I can't remember exactly how it was written about I seem to recall it taking four lines. It was heavenly though. I also remember some rather lovely flavoured bread.
Next stop was Bowral, for a wedding of a friend from school. Tim took some rather lovely snaps on his camera - this is just one of the night before the wedding in the misty highlands. The venue was phenomenal - gorgeous old estate with manicured gardens, lots of which would surprise you as you turned a corner. Just breathtaking.
The other wedding was a beach number at Balmoral and was just as lovely but completely different. I actually have no snaps of that one at all - once again Tim was mega photographer and I held the job of Chief Wine Drinker (actually that's not true; Tim took that one too!).
After Easter I've just been taking it easy and trying to catch up on work, sleep and play. We went for an autumn walk around The Bay last week - although it resulted in blisters for both of us (stupid old converse trainers) it was lovely.
Naturally Tim took these. Punk.
To remedy this, we (Tim, J and her squeeze GSquared) went for a boozy lunch at the Three Chefs (maybe it was called that? Some number of chefs, anyway), one of Wagga's better restaurants. I can't remember what I ate but I did drink adequately. We then followed a boozy lunch with a boozy dinner at the Magpie's Nest - another lovely Wagga restaurant set a wee bit out of town. It overlooks the city and we were there at sunset to watch the sun go down and the lights come up.
I remember what I ate here cos we'd joked about ordering the most elaborately named dish on the menu (while the food is great the descriptions are rather preposterous). I had the duck, and while I can't remember exactly how it was written about I seem to recall it taking four lines. It was heavenly though. I also remember some rather lovely flavoured bread.
Next stop was Bowral, for a wedding of a friend from school. Tim took some rather lovely snaps on his camera - this is just one of the night before the wedding in the misty highlands. The venue was phenomenal - gorgeous old estate with manicured gardens, lots of which would surprise you as you turned a corner. Just breathtaking.
The other wedding was a beach number at Balmoral and was just as lovely but completely different. I actually have no snaps of that one at all - once again Tim was mega photographer and I held the job of Chief Wine Drinker (actually that's not true; Tim took that one too!).
After Easter I've just been taking it easy and trying to catch up on work, sleep and play. We went for an autumn walk around The Bay last week - although it resulted in blisters for both of us (stupid old converse trainers) it was lovely.
Naturally Tim took these. Punk.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Once again it's been ten million years. Busy times, super happy times. Although I did get a bloody driving offence ticket today, so not that happy. Operating a hand-held mobile while driving (it was on speaker phone), 243 clams. Ouch.
Synopsis of last two months, in ranking order of funness:
1. Tim has moved in, bought in, and buying in to number 2;
2. buying my grandparent's property in the heavenly Barossa. Words can't express how much this means to me;
3. a few dreamy holidays, in particular said Barossa, where we sat of an evening after harvesting the fig tree making bottles of '5 year figs', fig jam and stewed apples while drinking local grenache; and
4. that's it - everything else fits in to the work category, really!
We also had the post-Vanuatu-theft insurance claim come through, which resulted in lots of post-Vanuatu-theft purchasing. One of these includes a new camera, which is water and shock proof, as I am a rather clumsy lady. It does this:
Panorama photos, if you do the 'hold camera and rotate while snapping' move. As you can see on the right it doesn't align that well on the first attempt!
It also does an 'indoor' setting, which shows a whole lot of very preppy looking people having a very lame party (I love streamers and party hats, but only in conjunction with ample champers, and the picture on the camera setting only shows the first two. I don't trust them sans the latter). However it did make me get sentimental and attempt to take indoor style photos of the house now Tim's in it. The main features he brings (coffee machine, record player and ample vinyl) and the skills he has (built-in making and general rearranging) aren't captured, but you get the drift!
What is still bloody doesn't do is just turn my photos around! Gah!
This week is a bit of a big 'un. My congraduations on Thursday, which means a road trip to Wagga. There is an option called 'Town and Gown' - graduands can opt to continue wearing their capes, travel from the uni to the town centre, and walk down the main street in full regalia with 'local dignitaries'. I think this means anyone from the council who isn't liquored already. I'm not taking part, but I am looking forward to watching from the sidelines from the safety of a pub! Then two weddings - one on Saturday, one the following Thursday...so busy times continue. Tim is also super unwell post Singapore work trip this week (I had forgotten how dreadfully funny sick men are. Like, nobody ever before. Heavens.), so hopefully that'll be taken care of prior to the trip.
Big storm brewing outside (apparently Sydney has loads of blackouts) so I am going to take my wine glass and sit on my stoop and watch it roll in. Night!
Synopsis of last two months, in ranking order of funness:
1. Tim has moved in, bought in, and buying in to number 2;
2. buying my grandparent's property in the heavenly Barossa. Words can't express how much this means to me;
3. a few dreamy holidays, in particular said Barossa, where we sat of an evening after harvesting the fig tree making bottles of '5 year figs', fig jam and stewed apples while drinking local grenache; and
4. that's it - everything else fits in to the work category, really!
We also had the post-Vanuatu-theft insurance claim come through, which resulted in lots of post-Vanuatu-theft purchasing. One of these includes a new camera, which is water and shock proof, as I am a rather clumsy lady. It does this:
Panorama photos, if you do the 'hold camera and rotate while snapping' move. As you can see on the right it doesn't align that well on the first attempt!
It also does an 'indoor' setting, which shows a whole lot of very preppy looking people having a very lame party (I love streamers and party hats, but only in conjunction with ample champers, and the picture on the camera setting only shows the first two. I don't trust them sans the latter). However it did make me get sentimental and attempt to take indoor style photos of the house now Tim's in it. The main features he brings (coffee machine, record player and ample vinyl) and the skills he has (built-in making and general rearranging) aren't captured, but you get the drift!
What is still bloody doesn't do is just turn my photos around! Gah!
This week is a bit of a big 'un. My congraduations on Thursday, which means a road trip to Wagga. There is an option called 'Town and Gown' - graduands can opt to continue wearing their capes, travel from the uni to the town centre, and walk down the main street in full regalia with 'local dignitaries'. I think this means anyone from the council who isn't liquored already. I'm not taking part, but I am looking forward to watching from the sidelines from the safety of a pub! Then two weddings - one on Saturday, one the following Thursday...so busy times continue. Tim is also super unwell post Singapore work trip this week (I had forgotten how dreadfully funny sick men are. Like, nobody ever before. Heavens.), so hopefully that'll be taken care of prior to the trip.
Big storm brewing outside (apparently Sydney has loads of blackouts) so I am going to take my wine glass and sit on my stoop and watch it roll in. Night!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
200Fine?
Well.
So far, it's been quite the year. 200great was fab, so perhaps I shouldn't complain. But really.
First up, just after new years, Tim and I hit the road camping. It was a great trip - we left on a Friday afternoon and made our way to the previously unknown (to us) Dewar River National Park. Basically, leave Sydney, head to Goulburn and take a left. We headed through some rough dirt roads before pulling in at about 10pm at a campground just made for, well, campers! Each site had about 6 tent spots, each with a fire pit and a grill and billy pole. It was fairly quiet - we had neighbours but everyone was out for a lovely time (well, except the four-wheel-drivers who blew into town on Saturday night wanting to party, but left when they realised there was no room at the inn - to a communal sigh of relief from the rest of us!). The trip was as all good camping trips should be - hiking, exploring, nature watching (although I wasn't overly enamoured with the 6 goannas that circled us the morning we left trying to get our food. Like, goannas the size of my leg. And some of my torso. Scary, scary goannas), eating, drinking and generally having a great time. Upon leaving though we had to drive a rather narrow dirt road, with many blind corners, around which came a ute going at just the wrong speed to miss. So we had a collision - there was a choice of us running into solid rock, the ute going off the cliff, or us both taking it on the chin. Or, more accurately, on Tim's car's chin. Which is what we did. I've never been in a big accident before and while we were really lucky - only shock and some very minor whiplash - the car was pretty much totalled. It was scary - I nearly burst into tears (about fourteen times) but really, it was an absolute miracle it wasn't worse.
Disaster number two occurred in Vanuatu, where we travelled just after new year to go to one of Tim's uni mates' wedding. First up - the wedding was dreamy. I tend to liken beach weddings to, well, white American trash (yup, Pammy). However this was everything opposite to my imagination. We were on a beach, white sand and sunset, nobody around for miles and a gorgeous restaurant looking out across the ocean. The speeches were done as the sun set and all the people there were lovely. All the people except the punks that broke into our hotel room and stole, well, everything of value. Which, as it happens, wasn't too much (although I am still angry about the cold carton of beer they took from our fridge!). Tim lost more important things than I did; and nothing was gone that can't be replaced. The plus is we got to see the inside of a Vanuatu police station (think BargeArse in tropical shirt) and write our own statement (which the police then copied and reworded slightly for their own report!). We also got Vanuatu Belly (a nasty cousin of Bali Belly) which is never pleasant, but overall an island holiday is an island holiday!
Back home now, and just celebrated my (gulp) 31st. Had a great weekend - lots of fun and friends - and surprisingly, home renos! We (well, Tim) replaced my skanky light in the living area with some lovely spot lights and the difference is amazing. I've also just painted the second coat on my blackboard door - basically I put blackboard paint with a red border on the back of the front door to use for fun lists and the like. I was given a pasta maker for my birthday from Tim, so made fresh lasagne sheets and replanted the herb garden (word on the street is that rosemary and basil do not good housemates make). So I am feeling totally inspired to do more fun things around my wee house. I'd take some snaps to show the fun new look, but no can do as the Vanuatu thieves stole my bloody camera. However, I suck at taking pictures so I guess it doesn't actually matter!
So far, it's been quite the year. 200great was fab, so perhaps I shouldn't complain. But really.
First up, just after new years, Tim and I hit the road camping. It was a great trip - we left on a Friday afternoon and made our way to the previously unknown (to us) Dewar River National Park. Basically, leave Sydney, head to Goulburn and take a left. We headed through some rough dirt roads before pulling in at about 10pm at a campground just made for, well, campers! Each site had about 6 tent spots, each with a fire pit and a grill and billy pole. It was fairly quiet - we had neighbours but everyone was out for a lovely time (well, except the four-wheel-drivers who blew into town on Saturday night wanting to party, but left when they realised there was no room at the inn - to a communal sigh of relief from the rest of us!). The trip was as all good camping trips should be - hiking, exploring, nature watching (although I wasn't overly enamoured with the 6 goannas that circled us the morning we left trying to get our food. Like, goannas the size of my leg. And some of my torso. Scary, scary goannas), eating, drinking and generally having a great time. Upon leaving though we had to drive a rather narrow dirt road, with many blind corners, around which came a ute going at just the wrong speed to miss. So we had a collision - there was a choice of us running into solid rock, the ute going off the cliff, or us both taking it on the chin. Or, more accurately, on Tim's car's chin. Which is what we did. I've never been in a big accident before and while we were really lucky - only shock and some very minor whiplash - the car was pretty much totalled. It was scary - I nearly burst into tears (about fourteen times) but really, it was an absolute miracle it wasn't worse.
Disaster number two occurred in Vanuatu, where we travelled just after new year to go to one of Tim's uni mates' wedding. First up - the wedding was dreamy. I tend to liken beach weddings to, well, white American trash (yup, Pammy). However this was everything opposite to my imagination. We were on a beach, white sand and sunset, nobody around for miles and a gorgeous restaurant looking out across the ocean. The speeches were done as the sun set and all the people there were lovely. All the people except the punks that broke into our hotel room and stole, well, everything of value. Which, as it happens, wasn't too much (although I am still angry about the cold carton of beer they took from our fridge!). Tim lost more important things than I did; and nothing was gone that can't be replaced. The plus is we got to see the inside of a Vanuatu police station (think BargeArse in tropical shirt) and write our own statement (which the police then copied and reworded slightly for their own report!). We also got Vanuatu Belly (a nasty cousin of Bali Belly) which is never pleasant, but overall an island holiday is an island holiday!
Back home now, and just celebrated my (gulp) 31st. Had a great weekend - lots of fun and friends - and surprisingly, home renos! We (well, Tim) replaced my skanky light in the living area with some lovely spot lights and the difference is amazing. I've also just painted the second coat on my blackboard door - basically I put blackboard paint with a red border on the back of the front door to use for fun lists and the like. I was given a pasta maker for my birthday from Tim, so made fresh lasagne sheets and replanted the herb garden (word on the street is that rosemary and basil do not good housemates make). So I am feeling totally inspired to do more fun things around my wee house. I'd take some snaps to show the fun new look, but no can do as the Vanuatu thieves stole my bloody camera. However, I suck at taking pictures so I guess it doesn't actually matter!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy 200Fine!
Man the silly season goes quickly. It's all one long hangover, really. First you're having a sip of champagne for the Melbourne Cup and the next thing you know it's January 1st.
There have been many memorable moments of the last few months but more importantly last night I made a Discovery. This was the unexpected guest of honour at a new year's dinner last night, and goes by the name of Gordon's Cup. Originally I thought I'd give it a bash cos it sounded fun, but holey dooley it was delicious! Summer in a glass! Perfect for warm weather, subtle enough for a taste sensation and ginny enough to get you liquored, new year's style.
Basically this magical drink is gin (Plymouth was recommended and used, and was so light and lovely), tossed in a shaker with muddled lime and skinless cucumber and a dash of sugar syrup. That's it. But heavens, the flavours are refreshing and complex at the same time, and I felt dreadfully elegant drinking them. Until the third, after which I was just plain pissy.
Anyhoo, Gordon was a lovely new friend to help me see out 200Great (which has been quite a momentous year for me - 2 new jobs, finishing the masters, a lovely new squeeze) and usher in 200Fine. Which I hope is just as tops. But maybe a little more stable!
Said squeeze is on his way over post new year's day golf (worst idea ever, apparently!) and we're going to make gin and tonics to relax (with frozen tonic ice cubes. We're not into watering down drinks in any way, shape or form obviously!).
So cheers, especially to you Gordon, and happy new year!
There have been many memorable moments of the last few months but more importantly last night I made a Discovery. This was the unexpected guest of honour at a new year's dinner last night, and goes by the name of Gordon's Cup. Originally I thought I'd give it a bash cos it sounded fun, but holey dooley it was delicious! Summer in a glass! Perfect for warm weather, subtle enough for a taste sensation and ginny enough to get you liquored, new year's style.
Basically this magical drink is gin (Plymouth was recommended and used, and was so light and lovely), tossed in a shaker with muddled lime and skinless cucumber and a dash of sugar syrup. That's it. But heavens, the flavours are refreshing and complex at the same time, and I felt dreadfully elegant drinking them. Until the third, after which I was just plain pissy.
Anyhoo, Gordon was a lovely new friend to help me see out 200Great (which has been quite a momentous year for me - 2 new jobs, finishing the masters, a lovely new squeeze) and usher in 200Fine. Which I hope is just as tops. But maybe a little more stable!
Said squeeze is on his way over post new year's day golf (worst idea ever, apparently!) and we're going to make gin and tonics to relax (with frozen tonic ice cubes. We're not into watering down drinks in any way, shape or form obviously!).
So cheers, especially to you Gordon, and happy new year!
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