Marmalade Day

Being lucky to live in the relatively warmer climes of Auckland, we are fortunate to have plentiful supplies of citrus at the coldest time of the year.

A life long lover of the "Scotish Jam" more commonly known as marmalade,means this is the time for the great boil up, so yesterday after an overnight soaking the end result for the store cupboard  is proudly shown below.

My wife also a fan had previously used up an over supply of limes to create a wonderfully tart and mouth zinging marmalade.

Nothing beats a thick spread of either marmalade on a freshly backed and toasted slice of homemade bread.....Yum!

Fish for tea

A morning out on the Manukau just off French Bay was rewarded with a couple of pan size Snapper. The cook and cat are happy too!

Sunny All The Way

Well we are now officially in a Drought Zone, which means the farmers can know ask the government for help if required.
It has been a true.y amazing summer with most parts of NZ having there sunniest summer since records began.
Here in Auckland we have had no meaningful rain since around Christmas and all around is looking very dry and dusty.
The hills in the distant which are usually fairly green even at this time of year are sweltering in a brown haze.
When will it break?
Who knows, the met office are predicting at least a week ahead of dry days!
The problem will be with everything bone hard when it does finally rain it will just run off and flooding becomes an issue - hopefully not like our unfortunate Aussie cousins who have seen more water than ever before.

Mahurangi Regatta 2013

Only six more sleeps before heading north again for the Auckland Anniversary weekend at the beautiful Mahurangi Harbour. Each year there is a gathering of the clan in the shape of many beautiful vintage sailing craft of every form and size. This year I will have my camcorder and hope to get some memorable footage to share on my Youtube page - watch this space!