Back in April my parents were visiting Waterford which gave me the perfect opportunity to introduce them to the delights of Bodega, one of my favourite places to eat in the southeast.  Last week they spent a few days in Castlemartyr (glowing reports) and finished off the week with a couple of nights revisiting Waterford.  Now last Friday was also my Mum’s birthday so Dad and I had arranged a meet up in Bodega unbeknownst to the mammy.  We had a super evening with great food and a good old laugh.  The funniest bit for me was when my Mum  gave her critique of my blog.  Oh yes dear readers, you’re never too old for a bit of mammy advice.  In fairness, she loves my blog and enjoys sitting down to catch up on my news and she particularly likes the photography

BUT

She’s not impressed with my “Snails” project…

Ah well, I’ll just have to try harder….

We could be sisters right?!

We were having such fun that I missed all the Blog Award nominations last Friday night.  Congratulations to all the nominees and a huge big thank you to whoever nominated me – I’m thrilled to be nominated in five categories.  Lets hope the judges enjoy my “snails” project a bit more than my Mum!

Meanwhile back at Hunters Lodge, the renovations are still underway and bit by bit we are getting there.  But all work and no play does not make for happy Dillons so this weekend we visited the seaside for a break from the mayhem.

Courtown, Co Wexford

I’m back today sanding and painting and totally motivated to finish the work in the next couple of weeks as I’ve just agreed to have another TV crew film here at the end of August.  I can’t believe how the weeks are flying.

When I’m not painting I’m (don’t shoot me) drying sage and thyme for the Christmas stuffing.  I’ll be back shortly to share how I do this – it’s so simple and well worth while.  It’s also time to start thinking about turkey poults.

photo by Fiona Dillon

Such is the life of a smallholder folks…

I’ll be back soon.

Fiona

Food from an Irish Garden is in bookstores nationwide or available directly from Orpen Press.

Get Fiona’s tips on making butter in the current edition of Irish Country magazine and find Fiona’s favourite preserving recipes in the UK’s Home Farmer magazine.