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Summer is always a great time of year. It can mean different things for different people but for me it means a few things; being out in nature, making plenty of jarred preserves and spending time with family and friends.

Nature

Summer always draws me outside. Whether its fruit picking work, going on walks, or going to the beach there are always reasons to be out and about. The warmer weather seems to motivate me to be out in the sun (with a hat as always to protect my pale ginger head). For me, summer can be an easy season to be healthy and active as well as appreciate this beautiful country and find time to respect its natural environment.  

Preserves

Summer is the season that brings some of my favourite fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Our garden is always full of fresh raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries just waiting to be picked and jammed. The basil erupts into a fragrant forest just waiting to become pesto and the garden comes alive. Some of my favourite jams and highlights this summer have been dads apricot jam, mums’ tomato, garlic, and basil preserve and all the cherries I get to eat. We even have a new garden resident! A native beehive that has found a place in the eucalypt tree on the edge of the garden.  

Family and friends

As with everyone, summer is a time for friends and family. It brings along Christmas, New year’s, and the holiday period and all the good times under the sun. Every year I enjoy returning home and spending the summer with my family. This year, I was grateful to be one of lucky ones to be home in time for Christmas in this new crazy world.