We spent most of last week up in Brisbane for our son Kobi’s 22nd birthday—how did that happen so fast? Our beautiful big man. It was a week of family catch-ups, a little taste of city life, and a special night at the theatre with the book club girls. We saw The Dictionary of Lost Words, a story we’d read together a few years back, and the production was just so lovely—the kind that lingers quietly in your mind. The set design was especially beautiful, full of thoughtful, delicate details that brought the story to life.
While we were up there, I also caught up with a woman who’s been following me on Instagram for nearly a decade. She messaged me a choko recipe after I posted about the avalanche of them growing in the garden. It was delicious. When I realised she lived in Brisbane, I asked if I could drop off a jar of our pickles to say thank you. We ended up meeting for coffee and sharing stories—hers, mine, and everything in between. It was one of those lovely, unexpected connections that makes me really appreciate the good parts of social media. Isn’t it wild how we can find each other like that?
Benji and I drove back out to Tenterfield on Saturday afternoon and spent Sunday chopping wood. Well, until Benji’s chainsaw started acting up. We gave up and went into town for a coffee instead—maybe the chainsaw knew we needed a break. The rest of the day we spent in the garden. I’d brought a few old plant pots back with me from Brisbane, gave them a fresh coat of paint, and filled them with flowers. A couple of dahlias too, which are always my favourite. I popped them out by the front door, and now every time I walk past, they make me smile. Do you have a flower that always makes you happy, no matter what?
The rain’s been pretty consistent these last few weeks. Everything is damp, lush, and teeming. The winter veggies are slowly getting there, though the cabbage moths are being particularly relentless this year. I’ve spent so much time picking off eggs and caterpillars, I’ve started dreaming about them. And with all the rain, the slugs and snails are having the time of their lives too.
Benji’s still chipping away at the garden edging—a big job, but it’s really transforming the whole space. It’s starting to feel more settled, more like the garden we’ve been imagining.
We had some friends over for dinner last night, which was so lovely. Benji used one of our pumpkins to make a pumpkin soup, I made a chicken and leek pie with garden greens, and a chocolate custard mousse to finish. Do you have a go-to dessert for guests? We’ve got more friends coming Friday night, and then my sister and her family are staying over on Saturday, so it’s shaping up to be a very social week. It feels good to share food and space like that. Especially when it’s been a bit grey and wet outside.
With the weather cooling, I’ve been getting back into my knitting again. I just finished a bright yellow beanie for Eden. She’s living in Melbourne now, and asked for something cheerful to help get her through those dark, dreary winters. So yellow it was. I’ve just started a hot water bottle cover now, in soft shades of pink. I think I’ll offer it to Maya. It’s nice working on something that isn’t a beanie for a change—do you find that too? That feeling when a new project shifts your rhythm a bit?
Hope you’re warm and well wherever you are. I’d love to know—what’s keeping your hands busy and your heart full these days?
Love,
Tash
