Narelle Hunter RURAL LIFESTYLE

We found our spot on the green lawn at Blackburn Gardens and set up a lovely picnic hamper on our blanket. Pip and I were the foot of the Woollahra Library with the polite, relaxed crowd and settled in for an evening of poetry. The theme was Birds, Bees and Trees for the 26 th annual Poets Picnic. There could not have been a more perfect setting anywhere in the world, than by the water at Double Bay, that delightful summer evening. The stage was set with the sparkling Sydney Harbour as a backdrop and each poet stood before us all and read out load. The Manly Ferries and late sailing boats where bobbing by in the background. Birds called on cue, from the dear old trees above as silence fell across the quiet crowd. From the very first poem I knew Pip and I were in for something special. I do love the element of surprise, when an event far outweighs your expectations. I didn’t expect to be moved by the poetry the way I was. I didn’t expect

Meatballs with Zucchini Pasta Recipe 500g Premium Beef Mince 500g Pork Mince 2 gloves garlic 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 egg ½ cup breadcrumbs salt/pepper Rolled into small balls and left in fridge for at least an hour. Brown meatballs in a little oil in a fry pan. Added to a slow cooker with a tin of tomatoes, your favourite spaghetti sauce and add fresh basil. Cook for 2 hours on medium heat. Serve over sliced zucchini with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil to your liking. (Once zucchini is sliced into pasta shape with a peeler or a Spiral Slicer, put into fry pan with a little oil for a few minutes only. Serve onto each plate. At least 4 large zucchinis for a family of 4) To be honest I don't usually follow a recipe well. I am the type of cook who throws in a dash of this with a splash of that. So please play with this recipe and add what you like e.g. Onion is nice too if chopped very finely. I dont believe in hiding veges in fo

 I thought you might like to read a few extra blogs this month about the places I visit when in Sydney. As the girls are at school up here they often try Cafes and swimming spots before I do. It is a truly beautiful city with the harbour running into its center, the stunning beaches and Blue Mountains surrounding the city suburbs. This week we went to ‘The Grounds’ in Alexandria. A fantastic restaurant and café with amazing food, flowers, plants, farm animals, music, great service and lovely coffee. I have heard people talk about this place but this was my first visit. It was one of the best places I have ever been to for lunch. Another fun thing to do with the family (if you have older children) is the Q Station Ghost tour. It is set near Manly at the old Quarantine Station. The walking tour explores all the old heritage listed buildings from 8pm-10.30pm. Howard picked up Brooke and a friend from school in Young and made it to Sydney in time for a quick di