It has been a bumper year for lemons.  My trees were laden and I thumbed through old recipe books looking for a variety of ways to use them. A Quick Tip:  Placing lemons in the microwave for 10 seconds or rubbing under the palm of the hand for  60 seconds will maximise the amount of […]

French filmmakers have for many years demonstrated a panache for distinctive comedies, particularly those that parody class structure, prejudice, bigotry and long held social norms. By holding these up to ridicule and deeper analysis, the audience takes away a fresh perspective that is enlightening, inspiring and entertaining. The Intouchables follows this fine tradition. This comedy […]

  The Hundred Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais – Reviewed by David Edwards. How many times have you become engrossed in a book described as a work of fiction and wondered if it were true or based upon truth; a biographical account loosely disguised as fiction? Such was my experience in reading The Hundred […]

TIPS FOR LIVING I am always keen to read about the thoughts of experts on how to stay ‘healthy, wealthy and wise’.  However, sometimes I am flabbergasted at the huge differences in opinions.  I deal with this by discounting some and sifting through others to try and find what is best for my lifestyle. I recently encountered […]

On the first Saturday in November, the charming village of Rylstone will once again host its fabulous lunch on their tree lined main street.  Rylstone, in The Central West of NSW, is one of the earliest villages to hold long table street feasts and this year marks its 13th  anniversary.  Up to 400 people will sit down for the […]

 Peter Cundall is a former presenter of  ABC TV’s Gardening Australia.  He lives in Tasmania and is known and admired Australia wide. At 87 Peter has his own organic vegetable garden and maintains a passionate interest in gardens and plants across the world.  Peter is a columnist, writer, travels widely and lectures in Tasmania.  He doesn’t believe in […]

  My career as a smuggler was short lived.   But never the less the memories of my first ‘job’ have stayed with me for decades.  The feelings of suspense, high excitement, being on tenterhooks  and the moral decline from angel to devil were not only new ones for my sheltered life but they started an urge to […]

RECIPES FOR FOUR COUNTRY BREADS. I grew up on home baked peasant style bread made on the griddle. These are easy to make and they were a daily ritual at our house. I don’t have a griddle but instead use a heavy based frying pan. An electric frypan would also be okay. My husband and […]