 Looking around the house and garden, I feel a great sense of satisfaction. The strawberry patch is flourishing once again and, having given away as much of the excess fruit as possible, I've been using the rest to make strawberry and vanilla bean jam. Early this morning I planted out tomato seedlings along with corn, cucumber, zucchini, basil and two varieties of lettuce. A local magpie popped in to supervise, just as I turned on the sprinklers. Meanwhile Peter trimmed back the dense Pittosporum hedge overhanging the footpath running along the northern side of the house. The timber fences have been freshly oiled; and we're just about to paint the stuccoed pillars on the fence surrounding the courtyard. Once that job's done, we'll make a start on the blue/grey stuccoed exterior walls of the house. It shouldn't take too long, because we have vast expanses of glass. With renovations to the courtyard garden well underway, I have sold my vintage Adirondack chairs, which were falling apart. (The original owners had left them sitting on wet grass under tall trees). Peter repaired them over the years, but sadly the rot had set in. These have been replaced with brightly-coloured resin chairs in the same style. Fortuitously, they were on sale at Aldi during the week. I have teamed them with an outdoor coffee table (resin and in perfect condition) purchased for just $5 AUD at our local tip shop. What a find! Also gone from the courtyard is the giant swing umbrella. With its five-metre span, heavy-duty steel construction and winch mechanism, it used to take the two of us nearly ten minutes to put it up. While we save up for stylish shade sails, we'll keep the place cool with a smaller cantilever-style market umbrella, bought online at the bargain price of $89 AUD (free delivery). Home renovations involve long hours and plenty of hard work, but Peter and I can barely wait to see how it all comes together. I think we'll celebrate with a gin and tonic or two... enjoyed in the courtyard. So, please excuse me dear readers for not posting here on the blog as often as I might like, but there's something kinda wonderful about getting on with life.  A magpie enjoying water coming from the sprinklers in the kitchen garden Tell me, do you enjoy gardening and home renovating?
19 Comments
26/11/2017 08:34:59 am
Sounds like you've been busy! Can't wait to see the changes :-) 26/11/2017 01:55:21 pm
It sounds like you and Peter have life sorted! No need to make any excuses for not posting regularly. I enjoyed reading how you've improved your surroundings and the plans tht you've made. We are hunkering down for snow!
Simone Mason
26/11/2017 03:37:51 pm
Please don't apologise for not blogging, Lizzie. I'd be sad if you stopped, because I only read a few blogs and yours is up there. I love it. But it's more important to do the things you need to do. XO 26/11/2017 06:05:58 pm
Glad to read that you are enjoying the simple life. I, too, love cheap tip finds, and things picked up in need of a little TLC from church fetes and op shops. 26/11/2017 08:28:29 pm
Sounds like your enjoying the simple things as one should. And what better way to appreciate the fruits of your labour than to sit back looking at the results as you sip a G&T. Sort of reflected our week-end. Homemaking, and home maintenance is a wonderful chore to pass time with. 27/11/2017 02:06:52 am
Yes, it's so good to slow down. Someone once asked what I'd change if I won 10 million dollars. That's a good question makes you think about what you really love!
Bob Bennett
27/11/2017 02:30:07 am
Hi Lizzie, I noticed that you've been quiet, but when I saw your posts on instagram about painting and stuff, I knew you'd been busy. Keep it up. Won't it be great when you're all done.
Gina
27/11/2017 02:31:00 am
Know what. It's good to read that food bloggers have a life away from the blog. Having retired in early 2016, your posting really touches me. I’m learning to slow down, relax and as they say and “smell the roses”. Like you, I too don’t post as often as some would like. But when I do, I like the post. Post when life allows, and we’ll be here when you do. Most of all, you guys continue to enjoy. 28/11/2017 08:31:30 pm
You've been busy! And lucky you -- you're in the midst of gardening season! Although we still haven't had a proper frost (amazing for us at this time of the year) so I still have some herbs growing.
Andreya
29/11/2017 12:33:31 am
Hi Lizzie, to be honestly I read only few of your blogs. I really enjoyed it. and no need to apologize for not blogging. Hope you are enjoying your simple life :) Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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Welcome...Üdvözölöm
Cooking and writing have been a lifelong passion. Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes; postcards and morsels from my travels; conversations with cookery writers and chefs; and news on food, cookbooks and cooking. - Liz Posmyk
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NB: I use Australian standard measuring cups and spoons in my recipes.
Winner ABC's 2015 Australia Cooks competition,
ACT (mains category)
Meet the Chefs - recipes featured on Australian Asparagus Council website
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