Small dinner parties

We have had occasion, this month, to host two very different dinner parties.  One was a birthday for a friend of ours and her teenage daughter, and the other for new-ish friends into whose home we have been warmly welcomed.  The birthday celebration was mid-week and relatively impromptu, while the other was a little longer in … Continue reading Small dinner parties

Turn a simple breakfast into a stunning one

I'm not a morning person. This is mostly why, over the years, Tom does the breakfast. There are, however, times when I get in on the act. Usually it's because I have a bee in my bonnet about something - and it's over a weekend or a holiday, so I'm a bit more capable of engaging … Continue reading Turn a simple breakfast into a stunning one

Autumn – preparing for spring (and winter!)

Although the grape harvest in our valley seems to be later this year, autumn seems to have arrived early.  Along with this, we have had a wonderful experience:  a pair of swallows building a nest in preparation for the spring.  Jack and Jill are Greater Striped Swallows, indigenous to Africa, and they summer south of Namibia, … Continue reading Autumn – preparing for spring (and winter!)

21 Today!

Milestones tend to get one thinking and reflecting.  When I posted There's a Mouse in the House, I was astounded when WordPress congratulated me on my 20th post! Today is a milestone: my 21st post. It also got me thinking about how I celebrated turning 21.  I chose to have a garden party - at home. And thinking about … Continue reading 21 Today!

A twisted Vicheysoisse, among other things…

For the last year or so, I have been making and selling seasonal soups at our local pop-up market.  A soup that I made on a whim, and which we enjoyed, didn't take off, so I didn't make it again.  In my recollection, there had been no sales.  Then, imagine my surprise, two Saturdays' ago, … Continue reading A twisted Vicheysoisse, among other things…