A cider called Colin

How many puns can you make with the word "cider"?..Quite a few as it turns out (but none which are worth repeating).

We discovered this on Saturday as we sat drinking home-made cider and attempting to create a bit more. This involved five people, two juicers, something called "yeast killer" and about 45 kilos of crisp winter fruit.

The stylish Northerners

There's no denying it. Those Sydney-siders know how to have a good time.

Cockatoo Island

Summer deliciousness

Sometimes I feel like things can get a bit "work, work, work - sleep, sleep, sleep" around here, with nary a spot of fun in-between.

However... Summer is a time for play, and the call of the warm evenings is irresistible. Unless you're a millionaire with a private jet, warm weather is a once-a-year occasion, and it needs to be enjoyed. So, set a slacking-off regime and stick to it diligently. I've provided a few suggestions to get you started:

1. To watch:

David Attenborough's "Frozen Planet"

Nobody wants to watch a documentary after a long day squinting at a computer. Accordingly, I was loathe to get stuck in to David Attenborough's latest offering. However, beneath the boring (nay, frosty) exterior is  gorgeous, heart-warming, heart-breaking and engaging arctic tale. It's a serious must for animal-lovers, dog-lovers (seals do look a bit like pups) and anyone who's forgotten that there's a big wide world out there. (Especially recommended for a good laugh and cry after a hard day, with a glass/bottle of wine).

Our Idiot Brother

Another heartwarming tale - this time of the cinematic orientation.
I don't want to say any more in case I ruin it.

2. To eat:

$6 baguette at Rue Bebelon, Melbourne

This little baby hasn't changed price, or deliciousness, in about 5 years. Choose your filling (I like pastrami) and the friendly staff will stuff it into a delicious and huge, chewy baguette. In the middle of a work day, it feels like some kind of brown-paper-wrapped victory. Yum!!

Snags done extra special

Heralded by the beer-and-BBQ at Riverland, Melbournian eateries seem to have been slowly won over by the humble sausage sizzle.

The rumblings reached a climax this sunny-season, with the introduction of The Snag Stand from Sydney, as well as the mobile Le Sausage.

However, if you remain a steadfast traditionalist, maybe try a sausage roll at your local petrol station...Or not.

3. To drink:

Iced coffee

"Skim milk latte" you say?

No more!!

These days, I prefer my coffee with ice, sugar and a dash of milk. It's like a holiday-in-a-cup. Probably a bit worse for you - but so much more funnnn!!


4. To wear:

Boy-meets-girl

I have a confession... I had a fling this spring.

It was just for few hours - mere minutes even - in the womenswear section of Myer.

=Sigh=

Fine, fine....It was DION LEE.

I COULDN'T HELP IT!!

But we met, we mingled and then we parted ways. Let's just say that my savings plan and the gorgeous, deconstructed business shirts just couldn't have a long-term relationship. (Have a look at their website here - the show in the very distinctive Sydney Opera House is mesmerising).

Eventually however, I found long-term love with Cue, whose boyish pointed collars and fine tailoring won me over. Long term.

Prim collars and tea, please

5. To do

Build some brain

Let's face it: we don't know everything and we never will. On the plus-side, that leaves a lot of things to learn, many of them very fun.

I started a short-term course at the Centre for Adult Education in Melbourne this week and I think that I'm addicted.

Some other short courses that I've been eyeing off in Melbourne:

Sewing classes at the Thread Den;
Paddleboard lessons;
Swedish massage (mmmmm...)

The Five Stages of...Home Improvement

This is the outcome of a lot of paint, tape, Paul Newman movies and daytime television. Yes, McGuyver had a beautiful baby (if I may say so myself).