Bless you my son

My son Lenny and his wife Lenette visited us recently and were appalled at the state of our larder.

They could not find (with only one exception) the staples of life to which we have become accustomed in Australia but which – alas – are not to be found elsewhere.

The only exception I can think of is Vegemite – which is available here – albeit in very small jars – at Bobby’s.

Bobby’s also has some staples without which life would be unbearable – including porridge which does not seem to be available anywhere in Vienna.

However – when Lenny arrived back in Australia – and being conscious of our parlous state – he immediately put together a food parcel - which arrived today.

It contained a number of precious items without which we have existed now for four years. These will not mean much to you - but to us they are the staff of life.

Bobby's

The delicacies included

Salada crackers

Sao biscuits

Shredded Wheatmeal biscuits

Chocolate Monte biscuits (Bliss!)

Freddo frogs (Rapture!)

Plus a few other goodies scattered throughout the parcel – which produced shouts of joy when they were discovered.

Now we need to husband these treats - so we will not have major blowout and stuff ourselves stupid. I will draw up a roster so that we can eke out this festival of gourmet delights for as long as possible.

Apart from the Freddo frogs. These are much to valuable to be eaten willy-nilly.

There are 16 so if we are careful we can have one each on Christmas day and at Easter for the next 4 years.