Picnic Perfect

The first few years I lived in Sydney I found it very difficult to get used to celebrating Christmas in my shorts and t-shirt with the sun shining down. It just didn't feel right. But after living here for 11 years now I find that each year I have warmed to it more and more, literally. It actually means I don't miss my family as much as I used to because it feels like a very different type of Christmas. It doesn't actually feel like I am missing out as much on what is happening back in Dublin.

Now, when the weather starts to heat up in December, I no longer think of roast dinners at home. Instead I think of big juicy tiger prawns and red ripe cherries. I no longer think of snuggling up in front of the fire and instead dig out the picnic blanket and head for the outdoors.

Isn't it funny how food always tastes so much better outdoors. I am blessed with living within walking distance of a fruit market and a fish market. So last weekend I headed to both. I bought some of the tiger prawns and cherries and of course the obligatory Sydney Rock Oysters. I packed them in the picnic hamper along with my current favorite daytime tipple, Mrs Wiggly Muscato, and we headed off to the local park to enjoy the sunshine. The best thing about a picnic like this is that is takes zero time to prepare. No recipes or cooking. Just pack it up and enjoy all those natural flavors. Perfect.

I do still miss my family but at least there are many aspects to life here in Sydney that make it a lot easier to be away from them. Love you guys :)