My name is Sue and I live in suburban Auckland. I have a full-time professional job but I have always loved cooking, gardening and a range of crafts and dream that one day my portfolio of jobs will include something that embraces at least some of those things in a home-based venture. I also love to travel so I will have to keep the professional job for the foreseeable future to allow me to finance that ‘habit’, but perhaps I can blend in travel and travel-writing with my dream.
I have a house and medium sized garden that is my haven. Over the past few years I have been developing the house and garden with my dream in mind even though I am not exactly sure what form it will take. I have always enjoyed outdoor activities like hiking but in the last few years health issues have meant that I’ve not been able to do them or even gardening. Although it has been frustrating I decided that I would embrace the opportunity to get stuck into the crafts and other home-based activities that I hadn’t had the time to do much of earlier.
As my health gradually improved I was tempted to put in a few veggie seedlings and then a few more and before I knew it I was turning the previously low maintenance shrub and native plants garden into a home orchard and veggie garden (with help from a trusty gardener for the heavy tasks). Once I started getting good harvests then came the opportunity for preserving and working out how I could get even bigger harvests so that I could make more things. And then of course I had to get more equipment so that I could make more things….
This blog is about creating my dream and enjoying the journey (including the mistakes along the way).
This is a very easy to read and interesting blog. I know you have many interests, hobbies and travel experiences and when you see them published it reiterates was a full and motivated life you lead. You havent yet included your interesting job you have. I hope you continue to enjoy your writing and get positive responses from what you have shared. Keep those lovely gifts your make trickling over our way, we appreciate the produce you share with us!
Hi Sue
I tried you recipe for Fig paste to the ‘T’ for 3 hours and low low heat. It looked good while hot, but next morning its rock hard.
I made a 1kg of figs and 2kgs jam sugar.
I very disappointed!
Is there a suggestion as I have so many jars and was going to give as gifts. Or do I have to just chuck them out!
Figs are quite expensive too.
Hi Carol
Fig paste is supposed to be very firm. You can put it on a cheese board and cut small slices to have with your cheese and crackers. I put mine in jars with straight sides so it is easy to get out but it will still taste great even if you have to cut/scoop it out of the jars.