Festivus, it's all going to fall into a big heap

This was the response from MDR when I asked him for a quote about the MB family's preparedness for Xmas Day. MDR then made MB repeat the mantra "Be nice to everybody, no matter how much they're annoying you!" MB, being the glass half full partner, is feeling rather smug, she's never been so ready for a Christmas day lunch. She's already made the Breton style crepes for the smoked salmon and creme fraiche appetisers, the potatoes are cooked and ready to roast (nothing like a twice cooked spud). The pudding is cooked and the egg custard is nicely chilled down in the fridge. A few non-drinkers will be in attendance tomorrow so a big pot of tea has just been made to put together a festive fruit punch. A first for MB this year is the making of a home made cranberry sauce from frozen cranberry fruit, MB has just consulted Margaret Fulton's excellent Christmas cookbook and found a suitable and fairly easy recipe.
The grand-kids will be over in the morning to tear into their presents, little LJ (3yrs) has asked Santa for an ambulance, he seems to be past the garbage truck phase now.
Oh for such simple pleasures, enjoy your Christmas Day.

Cacophony at Tongarra

Last Saturday Aunty & Uncle took MB for a visit to Annie & Steve's new digs just outside of the Gong, which is an easy 1.45hr drive from Manly. The first thing that struck MB was the cacophony of cicadas
in the bushland surrounding the homestead, very loud, but one becomes accustomed to the sound quite quickly.
Annie & Steve have found a real piece of paradise, off the grid, with views to the Illawarra Escarpment, hard to believe this rugged country is so close to Sydney.
Photo above is the amazing picture window view from the bathroom.

Pilgrimage to Newtown

MB has a few days in Sydney with a free day today so it's off to Newtown, home of funky shopping and great secondhand bookstores. Before leaving home base in Balgowlah she entered "Newtown" into Google Maps and came up with Black Star Pastry in Australia St, Newtown. As she was feeling patriotic she thought this would be as good a destination as any.
After a bus to the city and train to Newtown she found the cafe it quite easily, virtually across the road from the station, a little behind King St.
Black Star has some mouth watering delights on offer, too early for the Lamb Shank, red wine & vegie pie so MB settled for a strawberry, watermelon and rose gateaux with a flat white. The cake was sublime, coffee was pretty good but a touch too cold. The cafe is tiny, in a converted terrace house, very cute with lots of boy couples lolling around.