I commenced a new role (part-time), based between Melbourne, Sydney and home, a great position as CEO of a not-for-profit organisation which will allow me to continue to develop my “professional life”. Very pleased with the opportunity and have met some very impressive people in my first week.
Also I returned from a quick trip to Perth the week before, after attending a workshop and conference in relation to my PhD. Satisfactory trip and it has reassured me I am doing OK with my work so far.
Some discussions have commenced for possible consulting gigs for 2013 with DYC Consulting. This is pleasing, as there is scope for some really exciting work to be undertaken that will stimulate my brain cells.
AND of course, the first guest presenter has visited PCH and delivered our first cooking classes. YAH! Plough Creek Cooking School has had its very serious take off ….. Jane Webster, author of “At my French Table” and owner of Chateau de Bosgouet in Normandy, France has visited PCH and delivered 2 classes out of our kitchen. Although we promoted substantially – Neither class was full to capacity. December is a very “time competitive” time for everyone and this time of the year is so busy. Never the less, the people who did attend went away suitably impressed and inspired, I am sure! Her two menus were so delicious and the mystique and fear factor of making soufflés is now removed, the brilliance of why butter and cream make such a taste difference was clearly articulated and the simple delight of realising that we could all do it was fantastic.
The most nerve-racking part of the weekend for me was cooking dinner for Jane on Saturday night!! You know the feeling of angst that occurs when someone you admire and aspire to be like is your guest and you are cooking for them??? Well I simply had to suck it up and put dinner on the table. What a fitting time to have Wilma Weber make her debut. So Wilma assisted me in cooking Greek lamb fillets and char-grilled vegetables and they were quite satisfactory!! Dinner started off with calamari done “DC a la Greek” and then followed with a cheese and salad course. Did not quite make it to dessert….too full and too tired!!
Have to make mention of dear Tez doing a sterling job of taking off to market to shop for all the supplies for me last Thursday. He was sent off to Prahran Market with a very specific list …. Thorough instructions to purchase only exactly what was on the list ….. And…under no circumstances was he allowed to offer suggestions on what changes should be made! His shopping expedition was very successful and he completed the task without forgetting anything. He was a bit frazzled by the fact that it took him six hours to complete the task on a very hot day of 34 degrees. I really wanted to point out that stopping for breakfast at a café and visiting his favourite wine shop in Carlton should not be included in the “OMG today has taken sooo long” category! I figured that was a comment that could be better delivered at another time!
DC