Ages ago I tried growing Oyster Mushrooms and found it quite easy and satisfying. I do prefer button mushrooms or brown 'flats' though so this year I decided to grow them instead. The kit was from the same company so I was quite surprised to find the … [Read More...]
A Productive Backyard
Growing and Enjoying Globe Artichokes
Globe artichokes are basically a giant thistle that comes originally from the Mediterranean area. They are one of the oldest cultivated vegetables in the world and were eaten by the early Greeks and Romans - although why you would think to try eating … [Read More...]
Creative Passion
Counting Sheep – have fun with your card making
Creativity is always fun but it is even better if it makes you laugh out loud as well from time to time. Don't be afraid to let out your inner child, those bad puns, and just allow yourself to be silly. Have fun with your card making. I did this … [Read More...]
Trying a New Craft: Making Glass Mosaics
I have previously written about the New Zealand Scrapbooking & Craft Expo (SENZ) that is a favourite outing in my crafting year. Last year SENZ had to be cancelled due to COVID Lockdowns so when it was able to be held this year, my friend Steph … [Read More...]
Experience in the World
Observatory and Omarama
7 August 2021 The skies have stayed clear overnight but there is a very strong wind, which means that with the wind chill factor it is exceeding cold this morning. We have planned to go up to the Astro Cafe at the Mt John Observatory for breakfast … [Read More...]
Aoraki Mt Cook National Park: Hooker Valley Walk
6 August 2021 Today is forecast to be the best day of our stay so we decide to drive to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park - about an hour's drive away. As we head across the plains we encounter huge bands of clouds and banks of fog, which make for … [Read More...]
Preserving the Bounty
Feijoa Jam Recipe
Making feijoa jam (and other recipes) is often a fiddly and wasteful process involving scooping out the flesh and throwing away the skins so I was intrigued when I saw a recipe that used the whole fruit. I must admit that I remained very sceptical … [Read More...]
Berry & Ricotta Tart Recipe
This Berry & Ricotta Tart recipe is a simple variation on a baked cheesecake. You can use any flavour jam you like and if you don't have any ricotta you can make your own from fresh milk. Make some shortcrust pastry or keep some stored in the … [Read More...]