Snapshot-of-life #8

She's not ours, but it appears that she wishes she was.
Faithfully she watches over us from our doorstep,
staring plaintively through the door for months.
Our renegade visitor for the daylight hours.
If only she knew she's lovely.
If only she understood we're allergic.

Snapshot-of-life #7

The clouds have warranted epicosity ratings of late -
a term we coined for those things that take your breath away,
and renew your awe in a sense of grandeur.

Snapshot-of-life #6

I made a tough decision.
He told me he had a suprise for me.
I've wanted one for so long now but never knew its name.
He showed me how many buds it has that will soon bloom,
and compared it to my hopes for the future.
It meant so much to me.

Snapshot-of-life #5

"Everything we do is a choice.
Oatmeal or cereal. Highway or side streets. Kiss her or keep her.
We make choices and we live with the consequences.
If someone gets hurt along the way we ask for forgiveness.
It's the best anyone can do."
~ Ned, Pushing Daisies ~

Snapshot-of-life #4

Taking a break, I stood in the kitchen making mint tea.

I asked God: Why is this difficult the third time round?
The answer: Because your heart's no longer in it.

Snapshot-of-life #3

He acquired Pushing Daisies season 2 for me.
In turn, the new wooden pig acquired a name:
Ralph Pigby.

Snapshot-of-life #2

He came back from browsing the flea market to find
the chickens taking shelter under our hand-me-down car.
They don't seem to mind that it's a 20 year old VW mk 1 golf
which is kinda ghetto (but then again, neither do we).

Snapshot-of-life #1

A new kite for him and no wind for days.

When the wind finally came up, it was night time.
My resistance and fears for safety aside,
the kite looked so pretty against the starry sky.
Thank God for a new camera that can handle night shots.

Gluten-free Fine Dining in New Zealand

The hubs and I were treated to an evening of exquisite fare and darling company at Cullens Restaurant in Hamilton by his bro and sis-in-law on our recent trip to the nether regions of the planet.

Side helping of joy? Gluten-free menu items are marked with a *, whilst those where gluten-free options are available are marked with a **.

Visit the website for their latest menu if you're lucky enough to be venturing past that neck of the woods (or just to drool).

Now, on to some visual tempation...

Ambience...

Entrees...

...Grilled Haloumi on braised Witloof,
served with Rocket Pesto,
and garnished with Watercress and a Balsamic Reduction*.

...Seared Scallops with roasted Root Vegetables,
served with a Citrus Dressing and Mandarin Wedges*.

...Chicken Liver Pate,
served with a Fig Compote and Rye Bruschetta.

Main Courses...
...Pan seared Salmon a la meuniere on braised Witloof,
with Potato Gratin and Capers*.

...Seared Sesame Crusted Tuna
with Tempura Vegetables, Pickled Ginger, Wasabi
and Dipping Sauces.

P.S. Just so you know, despite the name, you will not find any absurdly pale/brightly sparkling fanged creatures lurking in the shadows.

Hey 2011. What's going on?