Our First Crop

 The snow peas are growing and coming into production.  We have had a few straight off the plant but today there was enough to have for the evening meal.  (Provided we can wait that long.)

Masked Invaders

 Max and Louie came visiting today and brought their handlers with them.  This time last year we would have been concerned about masked invaders coming through the back gate.  This year it was wonderful.

Motoring History

 As we have been researching family history, the issue of transport arose.  I was able to find an image of a car Citroen Light 15 identical to the one my father purchased in 1950.  Long hours were spent examining the various mechanical advantages of the available makes and their options.  The seating material was examined in great detail and samples of the various fabrics were obtained and tested in the home for wear characteristics, stain resistance and flammability.

Eventually, the decision was taken to purchase a Citroen Light 15. It was a grey metalic colour much like the one pictured with Registration Number VV 781.  This was by no means an ordinary vehicle.  The windscreen was hinged at the top and could be wound out for a direct flow of air into the car.  It was a front wheel drive, the gear shift was in the middle of the dashboard, and there were unusual engine controls available to the driver.  A choke control and capacity to advance and retard the spark timing.  The car had been designed for balance and control that meant the model was used at the time for racing and rallying but it also meant it was a very stable car to drive unlike the more common cars of the time.

Now That's a Knife!

 Isolation pushes you in odd directions.  I decided to sharpen the kitchen knives.  Previous attempts had been reasonable but not excellent so a little research was required.  The result was not only a set of much sharper kitchen knives but the purchase of a Japanese knife to replace our most used and worn knife.

I have never handled a knife quite like this one.  The blade is formed from steel that has been rolled and folded then hammered and shaped.  The result is a very hard steel that holds its edge.  It is unbelievably sharp.  Now I have to ensure I have the equipment to maintain that edge.

Wandering Walkers

 It was wonderful to see Adam and Kate this afternoon. They were able to incorporate our place into a walk so we were also able to see Louie and Max. 

Enduring Isolation

We are adapting to our isolation with a range of techniques.  Testing a birthday Rose Gin with an evening gin and tonic was very acceptable and could well be repeated in future.

As with everyone, after all this time the hair is getting out of control.  My increasing resolve to address the issue myself prompted Claire to set Lisa on the job during one of her maintenance visits.  She did a much better job than I could have done so we have another few weeks of peace and harmony on the hair front.

Seventy Five!!!

 It has happened. I now find myself being the same age as old people and it is a weird feeling.  The day started (as usual) with a walk and as we are gradually emerging from quarantine, it is good to see the signs of hope displayed in the streets.

A bottle of wine from Adam is also a sign of hope that will be put away until it can be shared with everyone.

It was also great to have a walk with Brett and Monty. It was, at least, the perfect day for a walk.

Then the family Zoom Meeting.  Not quite the same as a family dinner but we hope to make up for it in the future.

The Road to Glory

 The Earthworks have been completed so Adam now has a nice wide access route from his drive --

down to his Wine Cellar (aka The Glory Hole)

and the promise of good times ahead.

Sun At Last

 We have finally had a bit of sun and warmth and it is doing wonders for the garden.  It has given some of our potted plants quite a boost.

Get the Shovel Out

 Being cooped up in lockdown has not suited Adam.  His answer has been to bring out the shovel for a bit of landscaping.  It has cleaned up a difficult area and makes a new (potentially) very useful access drive.

The Technology Forum

 As we are all in lockdown, I have been meeting (on Zoom) with a number of former colleagues in an informal group to cover the current events.  The focus is towards education and technology but it has kept us all amused.

Father's Day

 Isolation changes the way occasions are marked.  It was great to hear from everyone even though we could not meet up.  Lachlan sent me his impression.  He is really raising the bar with his art work.  Thanks Lachy.

Lachlan also drew Mark and sent us a copy.

Adam scored a spaghetti marinara -

and a chocolate mousse.

Signs of Life

 As the pandemic drags on and we await news of the reopening of society, the only colour seems to be found in the garden as we approach spring!