To market, to market...

Yet another successful day at the local market. Sadly, I didn't sell many of my goods (when moving house there is much to sell). However, I did a roaring trade in cupcakes and cookies, which is amazing in and of itself. Here's why:

I have lived in this house for 19 years, so basically, all my life. In all that time, our oven has never worked. When I wanted to bake, I did so at my Nonna's house. I have wonderful memories of taking basketfuls of ingredients to her house and having a bake off. I haven't been able to do this since my Nonna passed away in 2003.

In February this year, our house got hit by the Melbourne floods. Water trickled from our dilapidated verandah into the wall cavity near the front door, causing electricity to spark from the wall into the house. It was scary how close we were to the entire house going up in flames. Our electricity was cut off to make the house safe, but 3 weeks later, no one had fixed it. Three weeks of not being able to cook, or turn the heater on. We were freezing.

Eventually, we got put into temporary accomodation, for two weeks - while at home, the electricity was finally being fixed. In fact, it was fixed so well, that when we returned home, we noticed some things were working that hadn't worked in years.

And then I wondered...maybe, just maybe...would the oven work? After all these years?

A good clean out and a switch on later, my wishes were answered. I was baking scones within the hour.

It's been 19 years coming since I've been able to bake a cake at home. I put the oven to work yesterday, baking cupcakes and cookies all day to sell at the market. Fourty Two dollars and many happy customers later - I can't keep the smile off my face.