Gilly Flower

. . . . is proving extremely difficult at the moment. Which is one reason I've failed to contribute anything to this blog for a few weeks or take time out to read and comment on anyone else's. Not too sure the situation will change much before Easter either, when I can at least look forward to a well earned week off the school job.

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After a three-year attempt to find somebody able and willing to do the renovation work needed on the house, we finally found Steve, after a casual conversation with a new friend and anti-mill campaigner. He did some work on her house, so comes highly recommended, and I have to say that given what he's done so far, I can only agree.

However chaos and disorganisation have reigned for the best part of the last month. First in the kitchen, and now (still) in this room, and particularly the corner of it that I call my 'office'. I'm never quite sure what mess will greet me on my return from school, but there is some distinct light at the end of the tunnel, even if J still has to wield a paint brush.

Part of the reason for the drawn out process, is that Steve isn't here all day every day. We are being fitted in with his day job - maintenance work on rental properties for various real estate companies. I'm not complaining though. Like I said, it's taken three years to find anyone even remotely interested in doing what is regarded as fiddly, time-consuming work, (an indication in part of how bereft of tradespeople Tasmania has become) so a bit of extended disruption is neither here nor there.

While surrounded by the chaos I've managed to pump out a few articles for the vet magazine, and research several more. No mean feat (though I say so myself) given the school job has claimed additional hours every week since February, and the start of the school year. Fingers crossed, this week will be the last when working on a Thursday will be necessary, and normal hours can be resumed. Not that the extra dosh isn't good to have, but it has meant much of the w/ends have been spent on writing work, and I'm really not into working 24/7.

I sustain myself in the knowledge that with relined walls, and a much needed paint job, this house should be a lot easier to heat, and a good deal warmer when winter makes its inevitable arrival.

Because we are now supposedly into autumn, although the temperatures don't exactly reflect this season at the moment. Still hardly any rain to speak of, and the days (and nights) continue to be warm. The bench tops in my very smart kitchen however have been, and are, laden with blackberries, tomatoes, apples and cucumbers.

The freezer is stuffed with blackberries, and containers of cooked tomatoes, onions and garlic, ready for all those winter soups, casseroles and pasta sauces. Actually the soups are aready on the menu. Well, Cranks' tomato & bean soup is. Not that I mind, it's a very yummy soup, but the tomatoes keep on coming, despite giving a heap away, and including tomatoes in every meal we eat. With the possible exception of breakfast. (That meal is reserved for blackberries!)

Dehydration is the next option. I've managed to find my machine, (bought years ago in a fit of do-it-yourself enthusiasm but never used.) But with all the economic and environmental gloom & doom this is the year to do so I reckon. In the absence of the manual that presumably came with it however I could use some advice on going about it. Online websites have been less than useful so far.

If anyone reading this has some suggestions therefore, they will be gratefully received! Especially with regard to tomatoes. And apples - since the golden delicious variety will be ready very, very soon . . . !