The Scent of White Gardenias. A Gift From the Farm.

Dawn broke over The She Shed to reveal a sort of awake SSG slipping on her running shoes (not unusual) and the very first gardenia blossom on the plant I potted way back when the trying times were at their most trying.

Those solitary moments when the day begins are great for taking some time out to ponder life, look forward to the future and to leave the past where it belongs.

I got home this evening and found my single blossom still very much alive with that distinct gardenia scent that I hadn't noticed this morning in my zombie like, pre-run state.

There was also a lovely surprise parcel in the post for me as well.

From none other than the lovely A Farmer's Wife.  My friend both in real life and in the blogosphere.  AFW is in fact the only farmer's wife I know.  So perhaps, to me, she is infac

Isn't that a gorgeous card?  It's very apt for the floral theme of this post, I think.  Good pick, AFW!

But wait, there's more.  Really, really fabulous more.

My first Country Women's Association cook book from a real life Woman of The Country.  It's such a thoughtful gift.  I've been meaning to dip into the wisdom of the CWA but have never gotten around to buying any of their cook books.  This will be the start of my collection.

The recipes are very straightforward and to the point.  They feature readily available ingredients and bets of all, the measurements are in pinches, cups and teaspoons rather than grams and ounces.  My kind of baking.  I am itching to try the Weet-bix fudge and the Ginger Nut bites.  I love a recipe that features my favourite foods remixed.  I owe you one, AFW.  Thanks again.

Image courtesy of www.latestseasonepisode.com

On a less wholesome note, I think I was an Essex girl in a past life.  I just can't help myself.  I've watched every episode so far on Foxtel.  The fake tan that makes the white balance on my television orange, those triple layered eyelash implants, the punchy banter.  Oh, and Nanna Pat.

I think Nanna Pat must be a member of the Essex Expatriate branch of the CWA.  She makes a mean sausage plait, irons a very crisp shirt indeed and is decidedly no nonsense in affairs of the heart.

All that talk of fake tan.  You must remind me to talk about Invisible Zinc next time.  Things are going well with the numerous IZ items I got in what looked like a very modest order.  Which is to say that Invisible Zinc does not make you look tandoori.  No matter how much of a rush you are in first thing in the morning on the way to work.

Image courtesy of www.brisbanetimes.com.au

 

So well that I may well have to sign in as Elle MacPherson rather than Sydney Shop Girl.

May I say 'nighty night', in honour of Nanna Pat and all our grandmother bakers out there?