After the Weekend

I had a good weekend.  I did not turn the computer on once.  It has been ages since I have done that and it was actually a really good feeling when I got to last night and realised that without even thinking about it, I had done it.

Friday night Ross & I were meant to go for a hike.  But the torrential rain we have been having, and were still having Friday night, put an end to those plans.  Instead we just spent a lovely evening in.  I was up until 2am reading.  I kept thinking - at the end of this chapter I'll turn out the light - but then I would get sucked in and before I knew it I was in the middle of the next chapter.  So I ended up finishing it. :o)

Saturday I spent at my Mum's.  I needed to use her big table to pin the knitted blanket to the backing fabric.  Since I was there I also ended up using her sewing machine to sew the binding.  Now all I need to do is tie the top to the bottom, which I am doing with cute little buttons.  I am about 1/5th of the way through that.  Hopefully I'll be finished the blanket within the next week or so.  Finally! LOL

Sunday started off beautifully.  Weather wise.  I went out to check on the veggie garden.  The snow peas and dwarf peas at about 2 inches high.  They look sensational.  The lettuces were coming up but one of the cats used it as a litter tray so they are pretty much gone.  I need to get a wire frame to put over to top of the pot before I put more in.  The rest are starting to sprout we think.  We have lost a lot of top soil due to the heavy rains we have had for the last couple of weeks, so I will probably have to put the rest in again.

Around 11.30 the rain kicked in and was settled for the whole day.  We went to the Nursing Home to visit Grandad.  It was hard.  He had no idea we were there.  He has shrunk and has aged about 20 years.  I don't think he has much time left.

Yesterday was especially hard for Ross.  It was his first Fathers Day without his Dad.  And then seeing his Grandad getting so frail before our eyes made it even harder.  But he tried to keep his spirits up.

This morning the last book I ordered from the Book Depository arrived.

Fast Food Nation.  It was one of the one recommended from Food Inc.  I am looking forward to reading it and will let you know what I think when I'm done.

xox

Food and Gardening

Sunday morning saw us all troop down to the local Farmers Market.  It was an absolutely glorious day.  I even took my jacket off while we were there and walked around in a T shirt!  Spring must be on its way!  I forgot to take my camera which I am regretting because the colours and sights (as well as the amazing smells) were phenomenal.  We stocked up on some amazing in season veggies.  Bought some honey and fresh bread.  And finished the morning with a Bush Tucker ice cream.  This ice cream is to die for.  If you're ever in Adelaide and get the chance to try it, I highly recommend it.

From the Farmers Marker we went to Bunnings to get a few extra things for our gardening adventures.  Gardening lasted all afternoon.

This is what we started with

We started by scooping the top layer with the grass off

We then filtered this dirt getting as much of the grass and roots out as possible so we could reuse as much as possible.  The dirt is amazing rich and filled with lovely juicy worms which is sensational.

We had help from the Overseer of Operations

And our Site Supervisor

It took a few hours but finally the patch was ready

You can't see it yet but we have planted Snow peas, Dwarf Peas, Carrots, Bok Choy, Silverbeet, and in the tubs are mixed lettuces.  We also planted strawberries, but they are out the back.

We were amazingly lucky to have such a brilliant day for it.  The sun shone all day.  Half the street were out working in their gardens with their dogs running around.  It was a really fantastic day.  Half the patch is still empty and we are going to put in capsicums, zucchinis and pumpkin in the next month or so.  We also have a second tub ready for more lettuce.  We are going to sow it 4 weeks apart so we have a longer crop of it.  Honestly, we don't know a huge amount about gardening, but we will learn.

After gardening I went inside and made a big pot of green veg soup for tonights dinner (I always prefer soup the second day) using the most amazing fresh veg from the market.  When the soup was dine I worked on last nights dinner.

It started with Spinach pasta.  I got this from the Central Market.  Completely organic and home made.  

I served the pasta with garlic butter.  We also had mixed lettuce with a balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing.

And a dark crusty rye bread from the Farmers Market

It was delicious.  

This morning I find myself in agony.  Not only is my foot (again, I am sure it is the tendon next to the Achilles that is the problem) killing me, but 4 hours of gardening have taken their toll on my legs and walking is painful! LOL.

No Daily Tarot today as I forgot my cards.  I'l bring them tomorrow.

xox