What's Cooking?

All is quiet on the renovation front - still waiting for the builders' quotes to come in. I had another look at the inside of the house today. As it's been rented out since we bought it I have only been inside once or twice. It's a lot worse than I remember it, but in saying that, it will still clean up well. I'll post some photos shortly so you can see for yourselves. 

So while I sit and wait in angst hoping that the quotes are going to come in on budget, and added to the fact that it has done nothing but rain over the past few weeks, there hasn't been a lot to do around here except cook (and eat). 

Chocolate Frangipane Plum Tart

And when I was done with chocolate, citrus seemed to fit the bill:

Lemon Tart

These bliss balls have been making a regular appearance in the kids' lunch boxes (no sugar or nuts.)

So too have these lightly spiced Pumpkin Muffins:

Warm desserts (with ice cream) are starting to feature more and more as the weather starts to cool:

Apricot and Almond Crumble

As well as home-made bread:

Cheese and Onion Pull Apart

That is fabulous with a bowl of nourishing soup:

Roast Tomato Soup with Pesto

Luckily I've got a kitchen-hand to help out.


Chasing after four energetic boys is usually enough exercise to burn off all those calories, but when there is any spare time leftover, I like to get out on my bicycle. Yes, my vintage-inspired bike that I spoke of almost 12 months ago finally arrived all the way from Gothenberg, Sweden just a couple of weeks ago.

See you shortly with some pics of our renovator's dream house (which I'm sure will make your toes curl.)

Digging Up the Past

Ever since we purchased our house back in 2007, I've wanted to found out about it's history. And being located in West End, there was a very good chance it had a colourful past. In the good old days, West End was considered the "wrong side of the river" and I am told it remained that way until it's recent gentrification.

Like many areas of Brisbane, West End started off as farming land. In the 1880's, there were market gardens located on Montague Road as well as plenty of cereal crops and a strong timber industry. In fact, West End housed a number of different industries, including a gas works, a concrete pipes works, a boot factory, an iron/steel works, a soft drink factory and an ice cream plant.

These industries have been steadily weeded out of the area as West End has been developed into a trendy inner-city suburb.

Thanks to the blogosphere, I recently crossed paths with Magnus from A House in Auchenflower. Magnus very kindly offered to carry out a bit of investigative work regarding our cottage's history, and I gladly took him up on the offer. You can read all about it over on his blog here.

Edward Robert Drury - former land owner

BRIEF HISTORY
Our 405m2 block of land was once part of a 27 acre parcel that was purchased back in 1850 by a Scottsman, Adolphus McWilliam, for a meagre 54 pounds.

It changed hands a couple of times, but continued as farming land until about 1884 when Edward Robert Drury, the landowner at the time, subdivided and sold it off in 80 separate transactions over the next six years. It wasn't until this time that West End became a suburb in it's own right.

Early records show our house was constructed prior to 1927, but that is as much as we know about when it was built. It would appear that the cottage was first constructed as a rental house, and it has largely remained one since that time. It's rather amazing that the house is still standing in it's original condition. While we are renovating and extending the house, I am proud that we are retaining the cottage as close to it's original form. I hope that it is seen as a beautiful and special home by future occupants over the next 100 years.

10/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week in 2013." via  Che and Fidel

Jack: "No, not another photo!"
Harry: The Entertainer.
Charlie: The cheeky one, with a grin to match.
Oscar: He laughs at the silliest things.

Another bunch of indoor photos - the rain here has been relentless.

Nine years ago today...

Exactly nine years ago to the day, at the ripe old age of 33, I become a mother. Little did I know back then how my life was about to change.

Reading cards and opening presents in the early hours of this morning

This little kid with his infectious smile is one of the happiest boys I know. He has taught me a lot about patience, understanding, forgiveness, tolerance and hope. He has stretched me to my limits and brought me so much joy.

Happy Birthday Jackaroo!

9/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week in 2013." via  Che and Fidel

Jack: Deeply engrossed. This rainy weather is perfect for kicking back with good book.
Harry:  Airborne. This is my favourite holiday shot, captured on an iPhone.
Charlie: "Look, I can fly!" Playground antics.
Oscar:  My brown-eyed boy. I think it's almost time for his first haircut.