Two lonely gooseberries

At a friend's garage sale a year ago, I bought two small gooseberry bushes in pots. I had seen them growing at Hartzview Vineyard and thought they might go well at our place. Up close, they are very prickly indeed, with large spikes coming from the tiny branches. I planted them in a sunny corner behind the greenhouse and this year one of the bushes sprouted just two berries. Hmm, what to do with two gooseberries? To start with, add them to half a kilo purchased from a friends' stall at The Market @ Franklin. After researching a few recipes - crumble, tarts, cobbler - I decided to make gooseberry ice cream using this Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall recipe. Oh my god, it's delicious. Fluffy, creamy and refreshing. Such a beautiful summer treat. Now I can't wait for my gooseberry bushes to grow and bear more fruit.

 

Christmas Eve on the Nancy

The MV Nancy is a Tasmanian river ferry, a beautiful piece of living history based here in the Huon Valley. Built in 1917, she has had a long and colourful life, falling into disrepair in the 1990s before being rescued, restored and finally donated to the Living Boat Trust here in Franklin. With my parents visiting us this week, we thought it would be nice to book a tour and asked a few friends to join us for a Christmas Eve cruise. With sparkling wine and some snacks in hand, we spent an hour and a half in the evening sunshine in the peace of the Huon River, finishing with a trip through the Egg Island Canal. Very special. You can book it for up to 12 people. We all loved it, I highly recommend it. But see for yourself...

Summer solstice

9pm. Summer solstice. My birthday is the longest day of the year and it's even longer in Tasmania. Lucky me.

What's growing in my garden?

Turnips, snow peas, strawberries, silverbeet, radishes for eating now... the broad beans, garlic, potatoes, pears, carrots and beets are still a work in progress but not too far off.

Sunday sessions at The Apple Shed

Last Sunday we spent a couple of hours relaxing outside at The Apple Shed in Grove. They host regular 'Sunday sessions' featuring different music and catering each time. This time it was reggae - which we love - and the Dos Trucos taco food truck parked out the back. The cuban sandwich was very tasty, as was the cider, as always. It's a seriously pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

Little Boat Choir in concert

Our village choir's first big gig is coming up next Saturday night! The Little Boat Choir is a recent addition to the community choir scene in Tasmania. We sing together every Wednesday night at the Palais Theatre in Franklin - new members always welcome. Led by Tiffany Eckhardt, we'll be singing a range of material including gospel, folk and two songs written by local singer/songwriters (and choir members) Sandy Pollard and Anne Toner. Please come along! Gold coin entry fee. 6.30pm for BBQ and drinks, concert starts 7.30pm.