on the counter

Things you will find on my counter (or benchtop, as they say here) in winter:


A pot roast in the slow cooker. Warm and smelling delicious when you come in from the cold. Root veggies, staple sides to most winter meals. Lemons, to season grilled haloumi salads and Moroccan tagines. Fruit, to keep away the scurvy. (At least that is what The Husband likes to say.)

It was the coldest morning recorded in 15 years today. It was bloody cold. I think they said -4c, but I can't be sure. I couldn't hear over the sound of my shivering. Crazy to think that people 'back home' will be grilling at the lake this weekend, watching fireworks and making s'mores. I feel like curling up under a couple dozen blankets and sleeping til spring!

Happy Canada Day / Fourth of July, everybody!

winter again

I think it rained every single day of May, this year. And probably most of the first 2 weeks of June, as well. And while you don't have to shovel rain, therefore I shouldn't even think of complaining about it... 6 weeks of solid rain can really get to you. However, the winter sun has finally arrived and we have been having crisp mornings followed by glorious blue skies. It's winter again in Sydney.

I think I may have been here too long, because I find myself missing snow. How insane is that? It feels like winter. The leaves have all fallen and the trees are bare. It's cold at night and people are wearing scarves and mitts. There are end of financial year sales on in all the shops, and it almost feels like Christmas. But, what it all really needs is a light dusting of snow to tie it all together.

Thankfully, next week marks the start of the Sydney Winter Festival. For the second year, the magic of a snowy winter is coming to Sydney. With an ice rink and mulled cider and a snow machine... visiting the Winter Fest is like a mini-vacation to the Alps... just a short bus ride from home. I can't wait.

And, if that wasn't enough, my favourite market is also having a winter festival, Winterland, starting in July. Pretty excited about that one too.

But, best of all, in Balmain they are hosting Christmas in July! With caroling! I am so there. The Husband doesn't know it yet... but I am planning to hit all three festivals this year! Hooray! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!