'ere I is.

Just popping in to say hi. As you know I initially started this blog, not only as our record of our tree-change but also to keep distant friends and family up to date with what we were up to. I sat and read through the entire thing the other day and and frankly (yes at risk of sounding quite self - indulgent) I really enjoyed going over not only what I'd shared, but also the other memories it evoked.

So I've decided to continue with my ramblings for a time. Eventually I'll have it printed in book form so when Mark and I shuffle off the kids and F.G.C.'s (future grand-children)  will have a reminder of us and our decision to live " The Good Life".

Today I'll be in the kitchen for a little while. I have a fruit cake in the oven to cut up into portions and freeze.  A friend gave me the recipe and its just so ridiculously easy.

Soak 1 kg mixed dried fruit in 500 ml iced peach tea overnight. Mix in 2 cups S.R. flour and pop in a lined tin and into a preheated oven 125c for 2.5 hours. Now how crazy is that??!!!

 I also have some vegetable stock simmering, courtesy of veggie scraps. I just freeze bits and pieces; ends and small bits of carrots, turnips, pumpkin etc; tops off celery, really anything in the veggie line and pop it into a ziplock bag in the freezer. When I have enough, into a pot,cover with water, a few bay leaves, seasoning, bring to a boil, simmer for an hour and Bobs your uncle. Some gorgeous stock. I freeze in 1 cup quantities but like a lot of other things you can pop some into ice cube trays so you have a smidgen for whatever. Since we grow most of the veggies it's not only very economical but covers my pet obsession - I know what has gone into it. :)

The chickens will get the left-over veggies, along with the days scraps so its a win - win all round.

Onto some more Basil Pesto now, this one with cashews instead of pine nuts. Yum!!  I made some earlier in the week but its all promised so I need to get some more happening.

I've been taking photos as I've gone along but for some reason my new laptop isn't reading the SD card. :(

Will try to sort that out and will post them when I can.

Off to pick some basil. Have a good day.