Portrait of a fashionable bee

O could I fly, I'd fly with thee!       

We'd make, with joyful wing,      

Our annual visit o'er the globe

John Logan. 1748–1788

I have a bee portrait every week over on my gardening blog if you are interested. Save the bees - long live the bees!

Harvest - or why kids eat it if it has a French name!

Wild, waving leaves in dusty hued celadon tempted me into the garden today and the leeks from the garden are inspiring new dishes. Not very original but only three ingredients and perfect for this chilly week is my version of Vichyssoise (much more yummy apparently than leek and potato soup!), although served hot unlike traditional Vichy. 

I find the fresh leeks have such a fine flavour no milk or cream is needed just leeks, potato and chicken stock -the trick is to sauté the vegetables for as long as you can on a very low heat (25-30 min) to bring out the flavours. Pour over the stock, bring to the boil and then blend. Here I have sprinkled over nutmeg and some crispy onion flakes to serve.

I do like the charming story from the chef who created Vichyssoise, Louis Diat …

In the summer of 1917, when I had been at the Ritz seven years, I reflected upon the potato and leek soup of my childhood which my mother and grandmother used to make. I recalled how during the summer my older brother and I used to cool it off by pouring in cold milk and how delicious it was. I resolved to make something of the sort for the patrons of the Ritz.

Simple pleasure

A country circus -a jolly time was had by all.

Ticket were only $15 for grown-ups.

Songbirds in the Garden

The cooler weather has brought the birds out on these golden evenings -I love their joyful song. It has seemed very quiet this summer as we all sought the quiet shade.

Songbird in Friendship's Garden -Custom card, each one unique just like you!

Songbird in Friendship's Garden -Custom card, each one unique just like you!

Songbird in Friendship's Garden -Custom card, each one unique just like you!

This is a custom card that I hope captures the joy of friendship as told through bird song.  

Simple pleasure

I love Autumn for all the changes that it brings not least of which is new Australian garlic season! Love the velum of the skin and the sensual bulbs of delight. 

The singing bird will come.

Autumn has arrived with new inspiration and new cards in the Nature Study series.

Simple pleasures

Fragments from "Auguries of Innocence" by W. Blake

To see a World in a Grain of Sand 

And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,

Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand 
And Eternity in an hour.

Joy of nature found on my walk today - a respite from the melancholy of the news. Although written over 200 years ago Blake's words are still a mirror of the hearts of men.

Man was made for Joy and Woe;

And when this we rightly know

Thro’ the World we safely go.

Every Night and every Morn

Some to Misery are Born.

Every Morn and every Night

Some are Born to sweet delight.

Some are Born to sweet delight,

Some are Born to Endless Night.