Who can live without toast

I hadn’t bought a birthday present for Cate – we never do it on the day as we like to wait for something that we want specially.

But as luck would have it - yesterday our fabulous Dualit toaster finally popped its clogs – after more than 20 years of faithful service. Until yesterday it had never missed a beat but I started making toast and then black smoke billowed forth and the power went out.

So it was not just an element but something terminal.

I told Cate I would get her na extra birthday present and we went and scoured Vienna for a Dualit – finding one in Cuisinarum in Singerstrasse – which I think is the best kitchen shop in Vienna.

I had forgotten how expensive they were – I think our dead toaster cost us $100 more than 20 years ago – and of course we had to have the four slot model because who wants to wait for toast to cook two slices at a time. I mean – life is too short for that.

So it was a toss up between the toaster and a holiday in Barbados – but who can live without toast.

We are very pleased with it. It is silver and will dazzle everyone when I shine it.

I have promised Cate a real birthday present and she is eagerly awaiting the iPad 3.

And here is Merisi’s recipe for Apfelstrudel.

Now I can make an Apfelstrudel

We have had brilliant weather during the last week and it almost feels like Spring has arrived. But I know how this works so I am quite sure that we are going to have another really cold snap.

Jules came yesterday and we went to Bauhaus and got another load of logs for the fire.

I gave up up carting wood after I broke my ribs so now I just supervise Jules while he loads the logs into the car and then out again at the other end – carts them up to the apartment and then stacks them. He is only a slip of a boy but is very strong and can carry much more than I can.

It’s not actually necessary for us to have a fire because the heating actually works properly now – but the cats just love it so  much that it is worthwhile lighting the fire just to see them stretch out in front of it and toast themselves.

Yesterday was Cate’s birthday and she was in a hotel room in Bangkok - on her way home. She got back early this morning so we are having a knees up tonight.

I spent yesterday blowing up balloons and doing flower displays throughout the house. I took the cats to have a colour and blow dry at the Friseur downstairs so that they were in top condition for her homecoming.  

Yesterday Merisi taught me how to make real Viennese Apfelstrudel and took these photos. 

Really - I am just fine

I think my last post made me sound lonely.

I am actually not. I am by nature a solitary person and am entirely happy with my own company - and that of two fine cats - and of course Cate when she is here. 

I have more than enough to keep me occupied when Cate is away and have no trouble filling my days.

I was merely pondering that my life is a bit unusual – but I am happy that it is the way it is.

So please don’t worry about me. I am just fine.