My rare and rushed visits home (Malaysia to those of you not in the know) usually end up somewhat frustrating as I never seem to properly catch up with good friends -- we're never able to do more than quick hugs and cry a hurried "How are you?" before having to rush off to other engagements or distractions. So one of the unexpected pleasures of living so far away is the quality time I get to spend with those friends who come over. Slow conversations, humour, the beautiful countryside, and relaxing over good food take centre stage, and the company is satisfyingly appreciated.

Last week a close friend came over to visit and as she's a lover of all things canard, we went in search of the Provencal duck ... not too difficult to track down, although it is here served with honey rather than the better-known orange sauce. Here's where the trail led ...

First to a little restaurant in the village of Lourmarin, where she had Magret de Canard with Honey of 1000 Flowers:

Next, to a small restaurant in the village of Gordes for Magret de Canard with Honey & Balsamic Vinegar:

After which she decided to try her hand at duck herself, and served one up at home in an Orange-Wine Thyme sauce:

Which proved so succesful (it was delicious!) that she produced another a couple of days later, this time with a more Asian-flavoured Tikka sauce that was superb as well:

I am now trying to convince her to return and live with me full-time ... for her own sake you understand, so as to benefit from the lovely fresh air and food ...

A message to certain members of her family (you know who you are): your sister/aunt is a great cook! You are welcome to visit soon and cook for me so as to prove the stories that you are relatively decent cooks yourselves. Perhaps even almost as good as she is. Cheers :)

I have a guest over, so the first thing we did was go shopping for food and she bought a huge box of strawberries. We're still making our way through them. Delicious.

I'm still trying to balance work and Real Life. It's not easy dragging myself away from the computer but the brilliant sunshine helps, so I've spent a bit of time puttering about in the garden. Here's a shot of my new peach coloured roses:

And my new finds from the local supermarket:

Aren't they quite gorgeous? Dented, aged, adorable. They'll be replanted with herbs soon and I'll tuck them into corners in the garden.

I love warm weather, I'm a hot-weather person (unlike my sister who would be comfortable living in Alaska!) and thrive in it. As I walk around the garden and watch the plants unfurl and bloom, everything within me responds with great joy. The winter hermit-self is preparing to emerge into the bright world ... well, at least the dogs will appreciate the daily walks. Cheers!

I started last week off with a cold, tucked under a blanket on the sofa, a blank mind and magazines and the menagerie for company. Not happy.

Then two days later we had visitors and the sun was out and it was gorgeous. Healed by good company and the lovely weather, I turned into a semi-Domestic Goddess (extremely unusual to say the least) and produced a lateish lunch that, for the first time this year, we enjoyed out in the garden. Simple: roast chicken, salad, brown rice, liberally sprinkled with sunlight. Glorious.

Please excuse the already-chopped into chicken, as I of course thought of taking photographs only after it was sliced into. Still, it turned out quite delicious and the meal thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing, so much so that the visitors decided to remain for an extra night. Perhaps the weather was more to blame for that.

I did try to take the rest of the week off in order to do absolutely nothing and allow inspiration to somehow seep through, but ended up working after all. I may have to face the fact that I'm addicted ... to my art, online stores, zazzle ... yes, work. Am hoping to find a way of balancing it with Real Life -- not sure yet if it's at all possible, but will update as new discoveries, if any, are made. Cheers.