It has been a hard fortnight in The Meadow. Situated as we are in the middle of Dairy Country we are very aware of the plusses and minuses that come with farming. We love to see the cows, all different shapes and sizes grazing in the paddocks, silhouetted against the morning or evening sky, calmly eating or following in single file the lead cow to the water troughs. We are very fond of them but of course for the farmer it is a whole different story. They too love their animals, selecting stock as carefully as we buy houses. Documenting them individually and caring for them in good times and bad. Extra feed is brought in from time to time when we have had little to no rain or if they are young, sick or in calf. The owners of our farm recently did just that and within a few days cows started getting sick and dying. A dozen, then 40, 100 and now sadly they have lost a total of 220 cows, half of their (bigger than average) herd. To say they are devastated is an understatement. There is a financial cost of course but the emotional burden is far worse. Cows are big animals and to bury one is hard, 220 is unimaginable. Apparently they died of botulism, a form of blood poisoning, that has been traced back to a dead fox, killed by the blades of the hay cutting machine and inadvertently baled up with the hay and spreading the fatal bacteria as it’s body deteriorated spreading toxins rapidly to the unsuspecting herd. It was a week when I saw grown men cry.

In complete contrast we have had a lovely week seeing old friends that we haven’t seen for a while and enjoying some local scenery. Smutzer arrived for the weekend and after the boys did an excellent job trucking in Ute after Ute full of mulch, our garden is much better equipped for this hot weather that we have been experiencing and the weeds have less chance of seeing fresh air!

As a reward we went for a lovely walk along The Shoalhaven River and stopped off for a cold beverage before heading home

Our previously broody chook has been allowed back into the yard with the others and has seemingly lost her maternal instinct, happily scratching under the trees and only going into the nesting box to lay her daily egg. It was worth her week in solitary confinement  to be able to enjoy the freedom of the chook run once again.

The 23rd of January was the 3rd birthday of our beloved Chocolate Drop! Looking back at her puppy pictures it is no wonder we fell head over heels with her – I challenge anyone not to love that little face!! It’s hard to believe she has now been part of our life for three years but I am very glad she is. Having a dog enriches my life in ways I hadn’t imagined, she certainly gives me a reason to get up and get outside into nature and her company when I am home alone is wonderful, always at my feet as if she knows she is in charge of things!

We headed south last weekend to Ulladulla and to the beautiful Cupitt’s Winery where you are treated to a visually beautiful location as well as immaculate food, presented in an oh so pretty way. A long lunch is one of the true joys and a few hours passed very easily with stories and laughs alongside delicious food and wines. We started with a lovely frosé cocktail of  vodka, watermelon, rosé and mint, perfect for a warm summers day and such a beautiful colour. This was followed by sashimi of tuna and kingfish with citrus pearls and bronze fennel for a light entreé  and a main of pan fried barramundi with risoni, fennel and lobster sauce which was as delicious as it sounds! We shared desserts of dark chocolate ganache with chocolate mousse and roasted peppered pineapple and fresh summer berries with goat’s cheese and Pimm’s sorbet.

Thoroughly recommended!!

They really have the most wonderful location with views over the countryside and a very Frenchified atmosphere. Old stone buildings and rustic decor, with clear louvres that allow the breeze and the perfume from the outdoor lavender hedges to waft through the restaurant. There is also an outdoor wood fired oven that gets a workout while live music plays on Sunday afternoons keeping the kids and adults equally happy. No wonder it is such a popular location for a special birthday celebration or wedding. http://www.cupitts.com.au

Then we all piled into a cab back to the equally charming location of Claydon Park with it’s hand reared cows and pigs, chooks and veggies and sprinkled with the family horses and dogs. A rural scene straight out of a brochure and one I never tire of. Sadly there was one less familiar face on this visit as Corona, the most friendly, calm and adorable chocolate labrador (who inspired me to get Bailey) had passed into doggy heaven the week before and we missed his loving presence very much. There were a few double takes from the farm hands as they saw Bailey running up the drive and they jumped to an obvious although unlikely conclusion…..

The Three Amigos, Bailey, Chloe and CoronaRIP CORONA