Afternoon All,

The frost is on the pumpkin this morning – autumn is passing fast and a new menu is on the boil.

Mother’s Day – Happy Mother’s Day to all those that are mothers and to those who have mothers.

Some see it as a special day to acknowledge motherhood, some don’t do ‘calendar love’ and some see it as a good excuse to have a special treat.

We can’t all be sure about our father but we can be sure and sure of one thing – we have all had a mother. It is sad day for those who have lost their mothers and for mothers who have lost a child.

Life is not perfect – my mother will spend the day by herself, my husband lost his mother tragically many years ago. My son will be driving back from Melbourne on Sunday to live at home again for a couple of years – so we will do something on Sunday night. As a mother my first wish is that he gets here safely.

I do love Mother’s Day at Benedict House though – it is one of the few days when men do most of the bookings. We are always booked out and very tired by the end of the day, but it is a joy to cook for and serve many glowing women surrounded by their loved ones and not chained to the sink on this occasion.

Some Mother's Day quotes for you all:

The lullaby is the spell whereby the mother attempts to transform herself back from an ogre to a saint.
- James Fenton

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs... since the payment is pure love.
- Mildred B. Vermont

The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.
- Author Unknown

Setting a good example for your children takes all the fun out of middle age.
- William Feather, The Business of Life, 1949

Whatever else is unsure in this stinking dunghill of a world a mother's love is not.
- James Joyce

The strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.
- Barbara Kingsolver

A mother understands what a child does not say.
- Jewish proverb

If your mother gets smelly she may like some hand made soap

If your mother is petite she may like a pretty necklace

If your mother loves tea she may like some elegant china milk jugs

If your mother needs more plates, these are beautiful

Christo soaking up the autumn sun, with the quinces ready to be painted

If your mother likes making jewellery she may like to knot some pearls

If your mother likes to cook she may like these colourful aprons

Mother's Day Lunches & Brunches
Sunday 9th May
Brunch 10am - 12.30. Set menu $25 pp.
Lunch from 1pm. Set menu $25 pp.
Bookings essential – 6284 2868

High Tea in the Refectory
30th May (fully booked), Queen's Birthday High Tea 13th June,
Winter Solstice High Tea and Poetry Reading 20th June
Take time out, meet up with friends for with traditional food, served with traditional style. Four savoury foods, three sweets, glass of sparkling, tablecloths and tiered plates. $25 per person, 3pm-5pm.
High Teas are usually booked out, if you would like to come to High Tea, you may buy tickets with your credit card and we will send them to you. Bookings essential – 6284 2868

Joolsy Woolsy Knitting Classes
Sunday 16th May, Sunday 18th July
10am - 12noon. All materials available, $25pp.
Enquiries– 6284 2868

Good Food & Wine Group
Second Sunday of the Month 3-5pm
Master Classes, demonstrations, wine tastings, and sharing of resources and recipes.
We will provide experiences to develop your knowledge and passion for food using fresh produce from the region. Enjoy tasting local wines and sharing ideas with members of the group.
$20 joining Admin fee | $50 per class | $40 per class when paid full in advance. Enquiries 6284 2868

Book Club
First Saturday of the Month 2-4pm
A relaxed monthly get together to discuss and swap books. Includes time to chat and have afternoon tea, formal discussion as well as book swapping. Each member takes a turn selecting books for reading and moderating the discussions. Enquiries 6284 2868

Beading Club
First Saturday of the Month at 10am
A morning for active beaders to meet. Bring your own projects and supplies and share ideas and techniques. An opportunity to share the camaraderie of beading in a group where one can learn from other members and Benedict House staff.
Cost $10. Enquiries 6284 2868

Music Club
Third Sunday of the Month
Soloists or small groups of musicians and storytellers - established or young - will gather in ‘The Refectory’ 3-5pm. Enquiries 6284 2868

Fresh Produce
in season fruit and veg from region is available every Saturday & Sunday + bread, olive oils, Lindsay & Edmund’s chocolate, Sue's famous apple pies and our preserves - reducing the ‘food miles’

Take care,
Kate