Easter inspirations

I love the thought of adding a few more elements to how our family celebrates Easter. And the idea of an Easter basket filled with little gifts, in addition to the Easter egg hunt, is such a good one that I think we'll adopt it too. Much more fun (for me) than just a trip to the supermarket to buy chocolate eggs. (Um, I'm not talking about the actual eating of the eggs, just the schlep to shop). 

I've been on the hunt for some vintage egg cups to include. After a trip to the local antique store I came home with this booty - all scored for the sum of $20! I couldn't stop at two, they were all so sweet and really, we can never have enough egg cups in our house. A second score today at the Friday oppy, these two little bunnies were waiting for me to take home for $5 - too cute! I've been scouring ebay for weeks trying to find something similar....

Next week there'll be lots of egg decorating and a few hand stitched good things to make.  And two new pairs of winter pyjamas to find.  As the nights get cooler it's the perfect time for a cosy new pair.  I wish I could whip them up myself, but I need a sewing machine and a few lessons first. A goal for next year certainly, so maybe we can add another element to our family's Easter tradition...

Magical March - my jam cupboard

Here is the jam packed jam cupboard, after a busy, busy March.  We've apricot, blackcurrant, cherry, raspberry and plum jams along with preserved peaches, cherries and nectarines.  Phew! A lot of the fruit we picked ourselves which is all the more satisfying.  The laundry is crowded with boxes of potatoes from our garden, which should keep for a few months over autumn.  And the kitchen is crammed with baskets of quinces, crab apples, pears and apples still to poach, jam or jelly.  There are bags of hazelnuts to crack, sloes for gin and damsons simmering on the stove for more jam, these collected from a lovely friend's wonderful garden yesterday.  The fire is gently flickering away and the bread dough is rising on the mantle piece.    My little guy is sound asleep on the sofa, tucked under a mohair blanket. Sigh, so cozy. Here I sit with a cup of hot tea, and wonder where the heck did March go? It sure went quickly, and it sure was magical.

Thank you so much to pottymouthmama for inviting us to join in the magic.

Magical March - mist

March sees the start of the misty season in the valley.  It generally only settles around the river in March, but gradually creeps higher and higher, getting thicker and thicker in the valley as winter continues.  It casts beautiful shadows while it plays with the sunlight trying to shine through.  I love the soft grey light that it creates.  And there's nothing like going for long walks through the mist to look for fairies. 

It does however, make an old farmhouse like ours very dark in winter.  So I'm delighted to announce that the Minister for Finance has approved the Minister for the Interiors' proposal for major capital works to commence in the lounge room.  Beginning with the installation  of a skylight, effective immediately.  Woo Hoo! Let there be light! 

Blessed Autumn

My favourite time of year (does anyone really like February?). The valley is looking pale and dry and parched. But March is here. Hooray! Hopefully we're over the worst of the heat and can look forward to the autumn rains. And more harvesting in the garden.

Here is a funny patch. We are in the middle of landscaping this part of our garden. We want some retaining walls built when time and money allows. In the meantime, I planted things in this patch in attempt to keep the weeds down. And yes dear reader, it may look like a weedy mess, but actually, hidden amongst there, growing like crazy are pumpkins, potatoes, rocket, tomatoes and Italian parsley. There's also a huge strawberry patch and a tiny baby crab apple tree. I think it all comes together to create a beautiful delicious mess. We're looking forward to the autumn harvest.

Up the back, you can just make out the top of a tee pee. Because all the cool gardens have a tee pee don't they?