Easter Tea break

Woke up to a most glorious autumn morning. The sky was blue, with a few white fluffy clouds, cool gentle breeze, birds squawking by the trees, sweet aromatic scent of leaves close to falling. Perfect day to start my long Easter break. I whipped the freshest eggs, added with some herbs, topped with yellow pear tomatoes, and thank God for such bounteous nosh. 

I watched the morning go by, looking out by the back garden, I sat very still as I revelled in nature's offerings. Black and white magpie landed in the garden; warily searching for some grubs or perhaps leftover canine food, while in the middle of a garden bed a common myna was engrossed at its catch of insects. Ahhhh...Life is so simple yet so divine. I could sit whole day and  let my mind idle away. 

Wishing everyone a spirit-filled Easter weekend. 

Thank you dear friends for visiting and for your kind and sweet messages. 

Blessings,

Aida

Solitary Musings

Hello dear friends, what are your plans for the upcoming Easter week? Have you got anything special planned? A holiday perhaps or maybe that long-awaited long weekend break? 

Well, for me, we usually gather for a backyard barbecue at home or at my in-laws or sometimes hubby and I would go for a weekend away somewhere in the country. This year I'm totally on my own. No husband or daughter to spend my Easter long weekend with. My daughter is studying and working as a casual teacher in Sweden and hubby is on a European history tour with his year 11 -12 students for 3 weeks. The thought of my husband being away brought some anxieties. Lots  of things to take on; the garden, chickens, birds, the dog on top of my demanding job. One week on, I realised that being alone wasn't that scary after all. In fact, I am using this as a breathing space to reflect on my spiritual journey and solitary thinking. I managed the household without too much drama and enjoy some tea time alone. I have been experimenting and testing my ability in baking and cooking(with my dog as critic) playing with the ingredients which are readily available from our garden. 

Thank you dear friends for visiting and I really appreciate all your sweet messages. Wishing you all a happy and safe week. 

Mr Lincoln and some African Daisies.



One of my op-shop finds; Royal Swan Flamingo cup and saucer, made in England.





An addition to my tea pot collection; Maxwell and William Kimono





Two cups of flour, some butter, a couple of fresh eggs, three overripe bananas, our home grown apples, sprinkle of sugar and a pinch of care. Equals a delectable tea cake.



Dainty teaspoon, almost out of grip but its message makes my heart leap.

An old silver knife and fork with a handle made of ivory, a little rusty but retained its intricate beauty.

All that chopping, peeling and whisking,  were all worthwhile. As I was rewarded with this another perfectly baked banana, peach and apple tea cake.

A little bit of modification and some common sense, to create something so simple yet so delightful.

Nature has its way of showing appreciation after the rain,  the vine of Panama Red passionfruit is teeming with golden green succulent treasure.



Some blemish-free banana peppers, not so sweet, not so fiery. Rich in vitamin C, full of flavour specially when stuffed when herbs and something cheesy.

Birds eye chillies, please don't underestimate, they make look tiny but once tasted, its intensity could last for days.

Yellow pear tomatoes, must be the last crop of the season. As the weather is now cooling down, as we go deeper in Autumn.

Rosemary, Basil, parsley and thyme. I've gathered them for drying, in preparation for colder months.

Recycled olive oil tin, it matches the table cloth I purchased from a vintage store in Amsterdam.

My rose garden never cease to amaze me, as they continue to offer the best of their ability.

All living things great and small, if only we stop and look closer.