Days have got away from me - 17th July

Chilly today...but the winter, so far, has not lived up to the hype - thank goodness! I had visions of hibernation, though that would hardly be possible in this house, with the bathroom from hell! Still waiting for a final quote from the builder that visited on 17th April. If he wants the job, he has a funny way of showing it, so a second opinion has been sought and builder number 2 is visiting this afternoon.

Been a few weeks since my last update. I've been pleased to have avoided any of the usual winter ailments but I have had a really bad period with tendinitis in the elbows and back spasms 3 of the past 4 weekends. Bloody frustrating - there's still much to do around the house but my body (and husband) just won't let me...

In spite of the body protests, we had a gourmet weekend in the Tamar region a few weeks ago. It included meals in 2 of Launceston's best restaurants - Black cow & Stillwater, lunch at Daniels Alps at Strathlynn (soon to change its name to Strathlynn, as Daniel has moved on), visits to the ginseng/salmon farm - 41 degrees South and several wineries. The highlight for me, was the truffle farm. It was absolutely fascinating. I even got to dig up a truffle - back spasm or not, I just couldn't resist! On one hand, it is unfortunate that there isn't a "finders keepers" rule. On the other hand, and just my luck, the truffle I dug up was rotten! We bought a small truffle which we kept in a jar with 2 eggs that I used in omeletes. Talk about a decadent dish...Winsor scored the first omelete 10 out of 10. The amazing fresh ingredients in this state continue to impress.

Finally had one couple around for dinner the following weekend. We have been slow to reciprocate after several meals at various people's houses but it's not through lack of motivation, just timing, with Winsor away various weekends and a myriad of other excuses. The meal I prepared was to showcase some of the fabulous local ingredients, the majority from our immediate area. Smoked trout(with salmon from the north), wild rabbit (with local Pink Eye potatoes and Huon valley mushrooms) and Cygnet Pink Lady apples in the dessert. (I think they liked it.) We have really landed in the best spot for people who love food and cold climate wines! Rumour has it, that scallops and abalone may soon land on our back doorstep - can't wait, scallops are my absolute favourite. And tonight, I am attempting venison satay - strange but true.

I have been working extra hours lately as my boss was overseas for a flying visit. That was another thing that was painted as horrendous, the daily drive to Kingston or Hobart. The road is windy and can be covered in frost or black ice or rain or fog or such bright sunshine, you can't see - but I have thoroughly enjoyed the drive (so far). No 2 days are the same and it's fascinating to watch the thermometer on the dash fluctuate, as you drive from the flat, up a rise, down into a valley.... It's 35km by this route and 45 via Huonville (which is a good alternative in dire conditions) and it's normally at least 6 degrees warmer at work than home. I guess I'm lucky, starting at 9.30 I travel after peak hour and most days, don't see another car going my direction until the end of the 20 km windy road. You really know you're alive in these conditions and there's little chance of dying from boredom!

Time for a doggy walk and to let the chooks out to ruin my garden. Until next time...