Marmalade Made With Love

A Special Annual Tradition

Almost annually—some years have been missed—my mum comes to stay with me so we can replenish my supply of marmalade. Each of these visits is special for many reasons, all of which are The Most Important.

For instance, I don’t get to spend as much time with my mum as I’d like because there’s six-hours of driving SHW1 between us.

It’s mostly, usually, just the two of us when she’s here, which means I get to have her all to myself. I don’t have to share her attention.

I often think about the day—hopefully a very long time, wayyyy out and faaarrr into the future—when I won’t be able to spend days with her like we do now. One day, one of us won’t be around to enjoy this time together.

In the meantime, I cherish, value and do my best to protect, the days we spend making marmalade.

Our Established Routine

We’ve done this a few times now, that we have a bit of a routine going on. Mostly, my mum does all the work. She says she doesn’t mind, and I believe her.

A Routine Visit to the Hamilton Farmer’s Market

PHOTO CREDITS: Jersey Girl Organics, Hamilton Farmer’s Market, Volare Bread – REFER DIRECT links above

This morning, I went to the Hamilton Farmers’ Market with My Hero—he for his Jersey Girl milk, and I for a couple of Volare’s sourdough loaves.

Usually, we arrive at the market earlier than we did this morning. Sometimes, I wonder how people manage in the real world when they seem unaware of those around them.

The Importance of Situational Awareness

Situational awareness is an essential attribute that, somehow, seems to vanish for some drivers as soon as they enter a public car park. Sometimes I really do wonder how some people manager in the outside world – especially when they (appear) to have no idea of what’s going on around them.

Patience is a virtue, and it’s definitely required at that time of the morning!

Sunday Breakfast

I don’t usually eat breakfast because I’m not hungry first thing in the morning. However, having breakfast on Sundays doesn’t usually happen early, so I occasionally join My Hero.

That alone is a special event, as he’s away so often that even if I wanted to have breakfast with him, it’s not always possible.

This morning, I enjoyed toasted Volare multi-grain sourdough bread with homemade – with love – grapefruit marmalade.

Big SmilesOnTheInside this morning!

Here’s to special times with my mum…

Here’s to having rituals and special family events…

Here’s to breakfast with My Hero.

Here’s to SmilingOnTheInside!