Weekend in Penriith

What an amazing weekend.  If it wasn't for visiting the hospital each day, the pill taking and the hair loss,(mainly at the back) it would be easy to imagine we were on an extended holiday.

We continue to be overwhelmed by our families, constant caring, support and generosity. Friday night with Jill and Alistair was such good fun - we cooked pizzas in their little balcony weber - apart from the fact that we were overlooking the Opera House, it was just like being at home. Jill had just got back from a week working in Townsville and Alan is "sick" so Alistair and I made and cooked the pizzas for them, while continually topping up their wine glasses. We even managed to do the banana and chocolate one for Jill.

Saturday morning we set off for the railway station with an overnight bag in tow (we are certainly getting some use out of our pensioner excursion tickets!) off to our grandson, Daniel's place for the night.  I promised to cook his favourite sea-food egg roll for dinner and preceded it with some home made crab cakes - both went down very well. The freezer was stocked with almost every flavour of Ben & Jerrys ice cream so Alan was set up for the night!

Next morning we were picked up by Helen, who then also picked up David and Jenny and drove us to a family run Cucina for a long lunch.  It was amazing.  We loved the food and the atmosphere and as a bonus got to see some of our friends who had also booked in for lunch without knowing that we had!

I have to tell you about the food!  We started with a Rosemary bread freshly cooked in the wood fired oven with a plate of olives, chargrilled sweet potato and battered prawns. Closely followed by a fennel gratin which I loved.  Main course was Oslo bucco served with mashed potatoes and fresh veggies from their extensive garden. Dessert was a buckwheat pancake served with the lightest chocolate mousse, blood orange and rhubarb - delicious. David had brought the wine which was perfectly matched and much enjoyed.  OMG - it's in their home, they change the menu every month and I want to go there 12 times a year!!!  They will certainly get a good review from me on Trip Advisor.

Holly picked us up and dropped us at the station for a leisurely train ride back to Kirribilli and the end of another perfect weekend.  Thanks to everyone - again! xxxxxx