A Day At The (Medieval) Faire

The Gumeracha Medieval Faire takes place in May every year, this year my daughters and I decided to go along and have a look; it was a fun day out. We felt slightly underdressed as a lot of people had gone to the trouble of dressing in period costume. 
A few examples of the clothing on display, the bottom two were beautifully made and someone had put a lot of time and effort into them.

 There were displays showing traditional medieval craftmanship.

Blacksmith, bladesmith, woodturner and wood carver

 A spinner showed off her skill and her yarns of many hues, dyed using natural materials like mulberries, mulberry leaves, onion skin and gorse.

Vikings cooked their lunch over an open fire.

 Villagers caught up on the lastest news and gossip of the of day.

Valiant knights practised their sword skills.

Medieval belly dancers?

Medieval Batman was there to save the fair from plague-ridden peasants,

and Gandalf made an unexpected appearance.

Of course I couldn't come home empty handed.

All in all it was a great way to spend a day; my youngest daughter is already planning what she will wear when we go back next year.

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The Colours of Autumn

Extra blankets have been added to beds, heaters have been brought out of storage and knitting is once again part of my nightly routine. It took awhile to get here but autumn has finally arrived.

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Happy Mother's Day

Gloria Margaret Rose

11.11.1926 - 8.9.2000

Almost 14 years ago and I still miss her.

Wishing you all a wonderful day spent with those you love.

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From My Kitchen

Artwork by Rebecca D.

Cool, rainy nights had me craving something warm and nourishing and a big bowl of pumpkin soup seemed to fit the bill.

Topped with bacon and a dollop of sour cream, DELICIOUS!!

Banana cake made by my daughter Rebecca, it is best served warm with a spoonful of cream.

In my continuing efforts to provide my family with more than just our daily bread I decided to try my hand at making a spicy fruit loaf. The first loaf didn't have enough fruit or flavour, the second one had too much fruit, the flavour was OK but it was so heavy it could be used as a doorstop and the third attempt (pictured above) was close with just the right amount of fruit, the flavour was good but still not perfect and it was still a bit on the heavy side. Do any of the bakers out there know how to make a spicy fruit loaf that is light and full of flavour.  What's been happening in your kitchen this week?

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This Week In The Garden

The asparagus plants are laden with seed pods.

The first flower buds appeared on the "Blue Bantam" dwarf peas.

With more coming up.

 The chilli plants are still producing.

The capsicum plant I bought that turned out to be a banana chilli.

Cayenne pepper

Yellow hot wax

Garlic shoots are emerging from the earth.

The kent pumpkin that I thought was dead has sprung back to life,

and is flowering.

I doubt whether there is enough time for it to set fruit before the cold weather arrives though.
There is the possibility of a few tomatoes.

At the end of February I sowed 24 "Windsor Longpod" bean seeds, unfortunately only eight germinated. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will get at least a few beans.

And finally while not in the vegetable garden but still edible I planted two pineapple tops in the garden at the back of the house. Hopefully in 18 months or so we will be eating home grown pineapple.

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