A paneled van and world class cooking

Becca and I just got in from cutting globe artichokes from their stalks from the front garden. Not that either of us knew what we were doing, we only did as Anne had instructed us to do. Which was to cut the ones that weren't too small or hadn't already "gone to God". Those fresh cut artichokes will be a part of our dinner meal tonight. It will undoubtedly be paired with local wine, red or white, and then complimented with some sort of quince dessert. Not only is all of this food locally grown or picked straight from the paddock, it will be prepared by one of Tasi's best chefs.  When we got into Hobart a tall man with white hair with an American accent brought us to Anne's house, in a panneled van. I thought nothing of it but now I wonder why I was okay with it. On the ride back from the airport Bill regaled us with some of his knowledge on Tasmania. Wallabis are considered pests, a world renound ship race happens in Hobart, and Anne has worked in every part of the food business, including working alongside some of the best chefs around.   It is hard to believe that she is really  one of the best cooks around until you try her food. We had three different casseroles for dinner the first night. These are not your mom's casseroles though. These have flavors that range from smokey, to bitter and back again in one mouthful. This first dinner we also  met Bonnie a rescued dog who has been turned into a top notch cuddler and tennis ball fannatic. After being stuffed full of dinner we sat next to the fire with wine and Bonnie until Bill and Anne came back from a dinner out at the local pub.  Our home is a small cabin that overlooks a bay with Bruny Island as a back drop. We have tea, coffee, yogurt, homeade oat mixture, bunk beds, TV, refridgerator, electric heater, storage bins, table, and chairs in cozy cabin. When planning this trip two words struck fear into our hearts "bathroom adjacent". Images of sickle moon shapes cut into a rough hewn door that opened into a dismal excuse for a bathroom haunted our dreams. We were so wrong to think that though. We have a lovely bathroom that is a part of her miniature storeroom that has a vanity, heat lamps, and shower.   Anne is 71 years of age and has more energy and spring in her step than most 20 year olds. She is humble, welcoming, and patient. She seems to attract people of equal calliber and we have already found ourselves in a new home here in Woodbridge.