Working up nicely

I've started a new Cowl, this one my own design. It's a funny little stitch that I have been playing with (and I have no idea what it's called) but it works up kind of knotty looking. I took off to the Caravan (in the barn) to do a bit more on it in the peace and quiet while the girls were happy in the house with Dad (I am so ready for the school holidays to be over!!).

I'll share the finished product in the next few days.

I've been doing a bit of preserving over the last week. This time of year is my Marmalade making time. We have a heavily laden Tangelo tree (it's HUGE) so I try to make the most of it. I have made one batch - and I need to make another lot today/tomorrow. I tried something different with the last batch by adding Star Anise and Cinnamon to it - which turned out lovely for a dish that I use the Marmalade in, but it tasted a little odd on toast to I'll stick to old fashioned plain flavour this time! I usually find tried and true the best don't you?

We went for a little family drive on Friday to the Bay of Islands (Northland, NZ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell,_New_Zealand. It's only about 45 minutes from home - jump on a little ferry across to NZ's first capital and the place of NZ's first permanent European settlement.  We love this place, from the old buildings, to the history on the gravestones at the little church to the yummy lunch we always seem to have at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel. We are so lucky to have this just up the road.

Big girl loving the boat trip

Pretty Russell

NZ's oldest surviving church - complete with bullet holes apparently! Interesting gravestones - so much history.

 While I was having some lovely time out The Chief made some coconut cookies - isn't he a gem!

Right house to tidy, baking to be done and school bag to be packed for tomorrow.

Bye for now xxxx Kylie