doris...

...neighbour, scone maker, crossword puzzler, word sleuth, traveller and local historian.

D and I were having a natter on the verge one very cool morning (as you do) chatting about keeping the house warm.During these cold months her wood fired kitchen stove glows day and night and of course bakes the most delicious scones.

This morning we chatted some more around her kitchen table sharing 'jiffy' scones (as in cooked in a jiffy...flour, powdered milk, water) cooked in the stove, cream and homemade plum jam! All the while poring over an amazing family album of portraits, postcards from menfolk fighting in the two world wars  and diary entries.

Her parents were amongst the original stone fruit orchardists in Piesse Brook and Doris, her mum and eight siblings lived in a wooden framed house  with a roadside fruit stall. I now realise we drive pass their original house when the hound and I go for a favourite late afternoon bush wander.
The current owner invited D and her siblings to visit and tell them the home's story which has now been lovingly restored . She is also writing (with D's knowledge and tales) the story of the house, the old orchard and the family.

Doris and her family have lived in our street for 56 years and remembers my little house and the Italian family who built it! 
Priceless and what a gem of a neighbour!