tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37998303858527040032024-03-14T00:21:01.221+08:00SugarFishRuthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-5076174720371936592009-08-15T22:09:00.005+08:002010-01-02T10:20:23.168+08:00Introducing Harrison!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwUCCX7xlxmyDJCQvfulbbMLTHUFW1QGCcASQBUjsNGbGpzQSau3N7M8j8bTjnebau7HznwmyhBHjAMieqqQFLcRFHMPOZ_pKboqiCb4jrMwLuIAyvuArKIo4B7qZj026WEv7k1E5g5E/s1600-h/harrison+10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwUCCX7xlxmyDJCQvfulbbMLTHUFW1QGCcASQBUjsNGbGpzQSau3N7M8j8bTjnebau7HznwmyhBHjAMieqqQFLcRFHMPOZ_pKboqiCb4jrMwLuIAyvuArKIo4B7qZj026WEv7k1E5g5E/s400/harrison+10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370196580214689170" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1I6uZvt1xJxdo8BnSwmsXq2TeNb8G2by4lapO9xfLKnnCiui5k2zBej-U4GgcJd4pYC7UJSS8idXgBpbAhnBmOj1SSU5Wg46OrQtcJkotuiuZuv-pfZxFcr202AFJoA2DRd_ZkZWk_A/s1600-h/harrison+6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1I6uZvt1xJxdo8BnSwmsXq2TeNb8G2by4lapO9xfLKnnCiui5k2zBej-U4GgcJd4pYC7UJSS8idXgBpbAhnBmOj1SSU5Wg46OrQtcJkotuiuZuv-pfZxFcr202AFJoA2DRd_ZkZWk_A/s400/harrison+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370196560190585810" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-70110160303036974962009-08-04T11:47:00.005+08:002009-08-04T11:56:38.498+08:00About to have my 5th Caesarean!<span style="font-family:arial;">Just thought I would put my own experience with previous caesareans here, as other mums have found it helpful and reassuring in the past, due to the positive experiences I have had with my caesareans.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> I am actually due to have my 5th baby (and 5th caesarean) in 2 days time!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> When I had my last caesarean, my obstetrician let me know that my previous scars had all healed remarkably well each time, and that it looked like I should be totally fine to have more.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> She is highly experienced and I have had great recoveries each time, so I was confident of her recommendation, even though I have had so many people look shocked when I tell them that I am about to have my 5th caesarean, and countless people have said, "but I thought 3 was the limit".</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> I have had 4 caesareans so far and although the first one was scary because it was emergency, the next three planned ones were all wonderful!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> With my first born, I was overdue at 41 weeks, when my waters broke and were full of meconium. My contractions started and I went to hospital. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> About 9 hours later, during one of the contractions (which they were monitoring because of the thick meconium in my waters) his heartrate dropped from 120 down to 60 and then didn't come back up again. I was in a country town, so they phoned the major maternity hospital in Perth who told my doctor that the baby needed to be born immediately as I was not dilating properly and he was stuck and in distress. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Anyway, I was *rushed* into the operating theatre and told to sign a piece of paper (which was near on impossible with my minute-and-a-half apart contractions which were lasting a minute each!) and then they gave me a GA and then next thing I knew I was waking up with a baby in my arms! He fed immediately and my milk came in with in 2-3 days. I bonded perfectly with him and everything was wonderful. My doctor told me not to drive for 6 weeks, so I didn't and I think that really helped with my recovery. I also had heaps of help and ladies from our church brought me meals at home just about every night for the first few weeks which was wonderful!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Any pain was always dealt with almost before I felt it and with in a few days I could get by with just panadol and then after about 6 days I didn't even need that.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> The worst pain I felt after the caesarean was wind pain on the second day, and referred wind pain which you feel in your shoulder when the wind inside you presses on your diaphragm. I recommend taking peppermint tea for the wind pain and ask for a gentle laxative if you need it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Also it helps to get up as soon as you can and begin walking around a little bit, otherwise you can seize up a bit. Try to walk tall and straight but be gentle.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> I was absolutely amazed at how quickly the cut heals over and goes back to being completely normal. After 5 days, they remove the tape (and stitches if you have ones that need removing) and the cut is all perfectly sealed back with just a thin clean line to see. Anyone who saw it was absolutely amazed as they had expected a big wound or something!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> With my next birth, I waited until my due date, and then had a planned caesarean as I was too scared to go through that whole emergency saga again. It was really wonderful and I healed so much faster and had very little pain at any stage.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> I had a spinal block which I was dreading but it was fine and there was nothing painful about it in the slightest. I preferred the thought of a spinal block (as opposed to an epidural) as it is just a quick needle in and out and no tube remains in your back like it does with an epidural. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> First you sit on the edge of the bed in a gown (or lie on the edge of the bed on your side, depending on the anesthetist) and they clean and paint your back (with antiseptic stuff) and then put the spinal block in which lasts a few seconds. Then they roll you onto your back and after a few seconds your legs start feeling heavy. Next they check that there is no feeling there by using a cold pack, and finally, when everything is ready (after they have put in a catheter), the doctor who is performing your caesarean comes in. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> The baby is literally out within a few minutes and you get to cuddle them straight away. You feel nothing but tugging sensations at any time. Your legs just feel cozy and warm and your husband sits by your head and talks to you the whole time. Your husband usually gets to hold your baby and bond with them while you are being stitched up. My husband went with our baby to the nursery and then back to my room every time, while I was in recovery.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> In recovery, they just monitor you and make sure you are fine until you get a stable blood pressure reading and stable temperature. I always get the shakes afterwards and that is a normal side effect, but it's nothing to worry about. I also always get a really itchy face as the spinal block wears off, but again that is very normal and just a slight annoyance and it doesn't last long. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> With all four babies, I was able to sit up and feed them as soon as I came out of recovery and was back in my room (about an hour after the birth). All of them latched on immediately and fed for a full hour the very first time. I found that they have all wanted to feed for hours on the second day and second night and so I just let them, as this is what helps to make sure your milk comes in by the third day. I think the other reason that some people who have caesareans have problems with milk supply, is that with a planned caesarean, the doctor often wants to perform the caesarean up to 3 weeks before the due date. I have always tried to have it as close to the due date as possible so the baby is definitely ready to be born.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> My next two births were also planned caesareans with a spinal block as my experience had been so positive with the last one that I wanted to repeat it. I have had the same obstetrician for the last two and she had my baby out both times within 7 minutes of walking into the room (but took much longer to stitch me up which is good!) I healed so perfectly well that I could do sit ups and run around after the 8 week recovery period with absolutely *no* pain at all. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> I followed doctor's advice and didn't drive at all within the first 6 weeks for all four caesareans which helped to keep me at home resting and bonding, and not gallivanting around injuring myself </span><img style="font-family: arial;" src="http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif" alt="" title="Wink" class="inlineimg" border="0" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> With all four caesareans my milk has come in within 2-3 days.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> I think I healed faster each time and was up and about faster. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Here's what I have done for the last three and would do again if I ever had another:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> * Try to wait until your due date (or as close as possible) so your baby doesn't have to come into the world too early</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> * Have a spinal block if available (as opposed to an epidural)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> * Cuddle your baby straight away and then give them to your husband to hold while being stitched up</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> * Feed immediately on arriving back in bedroom (has been for a full hour every time)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> * Drink peppermint tea to help with wind pain</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> * Give your baby heaps of cuddles</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> * Keep your baby right there beside the bed all the so you can reach them</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> * Make sure you have a hanging thing above your bed that you grab onto with your hand to help you get up </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> * Ask midwives for help when you need to get up or get your baby</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> * Try to get up the second day and do a very gentle walk</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> * Get as much help as possible</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> * Don't drive for the first 6 weeks</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Ummm, I think that's all... lol... You are probably sick of reading by now, but I'm sure a positive experience (or 4) will help you feel better if you are about to face a caesarean and don't really know what to expect.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Just ask if you have any questions as I am very happy to answer them </span><img style="font-family: arial;" src="http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" border="0" />Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-49038135346476080982009-07-10T22:50:00.008+08:002009-07-11T15:30:12.358+08:00Home through the Stirling Ranges<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjFtAyoGKy7Yw0V4qKGUBAU66Yew0z_DvC83_ptgwid3Iib3CXSi-5J7m7r5v3gnq8ewe3Qjxlqru6VV-gZEUxhy-tlaS4LnaHPql8gddbfg5nkwV3lpXySyqhS1zpnl2eI7hsqpFXhk/s1600-h/stirling+ranges.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjFtAyoGKy7Yw0V4qKGUBAU66Yew0z_DvC83_ptgwid3Iib3CXSi-5J7m7r5v3gnq8ewe3Qjxlqru6VV-gZEUxhy-tlaS4LnaHPql8gddbfg5nkwV3lpXySyqhS1zpnl2eI7hsqpFXhk/s400/stirling+ranges.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356847495334840322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">We came home from Ravensthorpe yesterday through the Stirling Ranges. It was a beautiful drive and we even stopped to climb a "mountain"... well it was actually a hill. Oliver and I waited halfway up as I have been forbidden to climb any more mountains at this stage of my pregnancy!</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Oliver took the photo of me by the pile of rocks. He took it very seriously and he looked so little as he intently peered through the viewfinder of the huge camera with the strap dangling around his neck.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdD3q1R6ORl66xjPj842Dne5sAEBEJhL-Wa0mOWysaEW9jGVdQHd1e7rlahQMx8TZDv_niVbwh-r63jBXSBm1kMAhM6oiDvUAH46Et2uN32lOwoniOlTFw47R9WBJpcNaKJ3O_3Z6nzE/s1600-h/stirlings+flowers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdD3q1R6ORl66xjPj842Dne5sAEBEJhL-Wa0mOWysaEW9jGVdQHd1e7rlahQMx8TZDv_niVbwh-r63jBXSBm1kMAhM6oiDvUAH46Et2uN32lOwoniOlTFw47R9WBJpcNaKJ3O_3Z6nzE/s400/stirlings+flowers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356847490721619058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8xsJUBGvrcOVGP978MzfWrnLwpE4NnbyzlifrgSRuO2ISZ_EiAb0rafidHQK6ED6Cee2Y8Xw9VX3bSfY9cD_3YzQrfMYFXbqtj5iSYCaa43Uqq7rtlGybMPB4NxyEk3C0sRFbzjd0m4/s1600-h/stirlings+hill.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8xsJUBGvrcOVGP978MzfWrnLwpE4NnbyzlifrgSRuO2ISZ_EiAb0rafidHQK6ED6Cee2Y8Xw9VX3bSfY9cD_3YzQrfMYFXbqtj5iSYCaa43Uqq7rtlGybMPB4NxyEk3C0sRFbzjd0m4/s400/stirlings+hill.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356847489648907426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnqH5jqj26Qvp5EyL1h7-t6x8wsx3QwnvQ9YGDITbYq5qcVbQtE5rhwRVXHXC_R0wI3YboKfOlfdudkzzXJ8eN-dUsD9LmnpqpkZd4sLMOzSv4mI9AamuYVxjeE9RujJUaCDZV-vG8Xk/s1600-h/stirlings+oliver.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnqH5jqj26Qvp5EyL1h7-t6x8wsx3QwnvQ9YGDITbYq5qcVbQtE5rhwRVXHXC_R0wI3YboKfOlfdudkzzXJ8eN-dUsD9LmnpqpkZd4sLMOzSv4mI9AamuYVxjeE9RujJUaCDZV-vG8Xk/s400/stirlings+oliver.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356847485404838562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKI6Qihe5I4k9uyEDyB6pELmzDqifui1qgMCmZZDifw6Wm4M7rI-7eynDcB1cqhJJgjA7LITFJfmdKxgG8DdNmraoRIQTW01v13YPy2Fa2LN-0lSsiBFBDql_vVZhbVQjn11cxIIJg-E/s1600-h/stirling+hill.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKI6Qihe5I4k9uyEDyB6pELmzDqifui1qgMCmZZDifw6Wm4M7rI-7eynDcB1cqhJJgjA7LITFJfmdKxgG8DdNmraoRIQTW01v13YPy2Fa2LN-0lSsiBFBDql_vVZhbVQjn11cxIIJg-E/s400/stirling+hill.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356850376741864354" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTf821djYzxNUO7QZXjn6ygyPAaNtAusztrKqwe-TA27VwvTiEJvOWjNGttSOxB6deStsg6b1X7NqpGB_UwJnuhsMoz1Tt_lvQilJqTqmNCKUs8ZUpwMaY2mQe9gwhQHSqip-X9MiaJg/s1600-h/stirling+hill+ruth.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTf821djYzxNUO7QZXjn6ygyPAaNtAusztrKqwe-TA27VwvTiEJvOWjNGttSOxB6deStsg6b1X7NqpGB_UwJnuhsMoz1Tt_lvQilJqTqmNCKUs8ZUpwMaY2mQe9gwhQHSqip-X9MiaJg/s400/stirling+hill+ruth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356850373891242370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZsVl749YT-EkTqzbCc7tZ-eGNQmFUTIt5aKr5Hmn0wqJ887YpwJu0MyW6TO5jvvXgk0U4lMJI0vQnaEAB0k1Xigje6AmWRQkwWMPXS-QniqYOZT1FSe0IEwB3r3XLpZKXZGr9izbpYY/s1600-h/stirlings+oliver+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZsVl749YT-EkTqzbCc7tZ-eGNQmFUTIt5aKr5Hmn0wqJ887YpwJu0MyW6TO5jvvXgk0U4lMJI0vQnaEAB0k1Xigje6AmWRQkwWMPXS-QniqYOZT1FSe0IEwB3r3XLpZKXZGr9izbpYY/s400/stirlings+oliver+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356847478853248642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />We stopped in Kendenup and the kids had great fun feeding Nemo the horse and running around in the bush while we had a cup of tea with Heather and Bob.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This cheeky fox ran across the road in front of us just as we were almost in Kendenup, so we stopped to take a closer look at him.<br /><br />He was very bold and just stood there looking at us for a few seconds. He even pricked up his ears and cocked his head when I whistled.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_9tqK4F0eaR9j7RkcUexFqffOEst446kMUz0jur-PJve6riGBQFzXcaB9Eu69I1Qc32jwlbNyOXm2lf2u7mskpI383IN2UrfxuM9hypf5U9smhAtd8a5v2sFGrBaCXLcmj0zgxRZrN8/s1600-h/fox.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_9tqK4F0eaR9j7RkcUexFqffOEst446kMUz0jur-PJve6riGBQFzXcaB9Eu69I1Qc32jwlbNyOXm2lf2u7mskpI383IN2UrfxuM9hypf5U9smhAtd8a5v2sFGrBaCXLcmj0zgxRZrN8/s400/fox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356851153241882546" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-12831785654499323152009-07-10T19:27:00.007+08:002009-07-11T00:01:56.950+08:00Prospecting in Ravensthorpe<a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ccvz_6s194dsULQUdsuur03lWpaAutF04FZHr_1OjTk14zdNtCsV6fTk3m74QobOWy2-_Exy_3Z_yngZ4eu5eu0IHHZ-TGwQpGPmn_lt6Q_UlbFpNCGqbU_X8nGB4cXIE_Lw_MnI4hY/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+ben.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ccvz_6s194dsULQUdsuur03lWpaAutF04FZHr_1OjTk14zdNtCsV6fTk3m74QobOWy2-_Exy_3Z_yngZ4eu5eu0IHHZ-TGwQpGPmn_lt6Q_UlbFpNCGqbU_X8nGB4cXIE_Lw_MnI4hY/s400/ravensthorpe+ben.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356802172649228306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">We decided these that these school holidays we would let the kids all choose one fun holiday activity each.<br /><br />Ben's choice was to go prospecting, so we drove over to Ravensthorpe on Wednesday.<br /><br />We stayed the night in a funny little cabin in the Ravensthorpe Caravan Park and drove around to a heap of different locations hunting for interesting rocks. Ben had such a great time and really enjoyed every minute of it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We visited a few old mines which were facinating and full of history and old equipment. There were colourful rocks everywhere we went and everyone collected samples to bring home and look up.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Some of the sites were quite dangerous. The ground in some of the areas of bush we walked through was full of pits and holes where people had tried to find gold. We had to keep a very close watch on the children, especially Jacob, who just wanted to jump in them all!<br /><br /></span><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNNKb5vGfq_GhHpqEGWBUPRV8G849CaN2sI34YeKiM9y6o-bLr7S72URSescS4JOwOJw7Pkglutv-Rx33kCPPExtONOMd4GDWNUE-ckvI4-vreMYG1sONqYeUPU1lUIgjgl0BysmeDj8/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+abandoned+mine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNNKb5vGfq_GhHpqEGWBUPRV8G849CaN2sI34YeKiM9y6o-bLr7S72URSescS4JOwOJw7Pkglutv-Rx33kCPPExtONOMd4GDWNUE-ckvI4-vreMYG1sONqYeUPU1lUIgjgl0BysmeDj8/s400/ravensthorpe+abandoned+mine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356802168912946818" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2gEp3EAr6TpafK5qWzn05etU5rVJyrxQ-jzN4gtHkbZXViwUAGHBwCxjeLqgrRrqwCoUt-_Dky2cWgvQ8BpFNHuiSWYs8pnMJUQnLXhn1SvHqj3y-250r67FHcUa2laopCzawaa-az4/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+abandoned+mine+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2gEp3EAr6TpafK5qWzn05etU5rVJyrxQ-jzN4gtHkbZXViwUAGHBwCxjeLqgrRrqwCoUt-_Dky2cWgvQ8BpFNHuiSWYs8pnMJUQnLXhn1SvHqj3y-250r67FHcUa2laopCzawaa-az4/s400/ravensthorpe+abandoned+mine+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356802162626918706" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrRd-fbxaI-4yQP-6NuzNQ-Y85hse8sGXDRY8unApg6KQDIEO5fii0HZgdwFh0IFZky__rEgRMZUQsbR6s8rFVXSZGdYC4M9K6HTLCvM55GbSW73R_0qCd8q6W44kuAGnLgWqhTtLieQ/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+ben+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrRd-fbxaI-4yQP-6NuzNQ-Y85hse8sGXDRY8unApg6KQDIEO5fii0HZgdwFh0IFZky__rEgRMZUQsbR6s8rFVXSZGdYC4M9K6HTLCvM55GbSW73R_0qCd8q6W44kuAGnLgWqhTtLieQ/s400/ravensthorpe+ben+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356802153999579634" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx167qYKS5q5AnZjHWhzhGy6QI4WLE5ZHJXNQ28hWY7_Jxgk2V92hRkfPo5_Xz2ppN5ePftwXP_W9XyjxpG7c8bAMeltzJl6JrG3pUb22GV948f2jtzVxDNKfy8YWFl7OlrtRMPNvrYIE/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+ben+6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx167qYKS5q5AnZjHWhzhGy6QI4WLE5ZHJXNQ28hWY7_Jxgk2V92hRkfPo5_Xz2ppN5ePftwXP_W9XyjxpG7c8bAMeltzJl6JrG3pUb22GV948f2jtzVxDNKfy8YWFl7OlrtRMPNvrYIE/s400/ravensthorpe+ben+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356802148718547106" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LQWFlvGEKvh84RO8HRQuWAIYoqpepRoIheaJptA6KrGrL68wyxRPjPRbMBh2eRV95E8LN08PLV1_Uu6X_PNOU5_QUDuMEIi4L8VI_-cMzeYKuXisExRdSBqUpOAFpHTwlQQkDKVqj4E/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+ben+7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LQWFlvGEKvh84RO8HRQuWAIYoqpepRoIheaJptA6KrGrL68wyxRPjPRbMBh2eRV95E8LN08PLV1_Uu6X_PNOU5_QUDuMEIi4L8VI_-cMzeYKuXisExRdSBqUpOAFpHTwlQQkDKVqj4E/s400/ravensthorpe+ben+7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356799981654943826" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7h8-5C-bsQXg0He9tStJV1ifK_pFyofb00PDVmH_s7ni2G-MvGz9oIrmGwpBp7eLH5hXhTrWBfA9-XdIbrS10lSdaEbruajfIVVg9iA8U4VN2AGB6L1G3Dt8LClxq1W3-yKzTG_yJspI/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+cattins+mine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7h8-5C-bsQXg0He9tStJV1ifK_pFyofb00PDVmH_s7ni2G-MvGz9oIrmGwpBp7eLH5hXhTrWBfA9-XdIbrS10lSdaEbruajfIVVg9iA8U4VN2AGB6L1G3Dt8LClxq1W3-yKzTG_yJspI/s400/ravensthorpe+cattins+mine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356799975749266642" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4LjKicNbGCJmpjeLfIp8ltSXsLW0o8NhY-D5LBUXFXGXrl9epwKASfIBssg27ERGFQOK9rwz1GpahyphenhyphenRQSW8R3qAgeY7d0UwtxX2KE1Iu-50XFb_NmuGepG5kUucGjq4eQXBIj93Mb70/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+creek+ben.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4LjKicNbGCJmpjeLfIp8ltSXsLW0o8NhY-D5LBUXFXGXrl9epwKASfIBssg27ERGFQOK9rwz1GpahyphenhyphenRQSW8R3qAgeY7d0UwtxX2KE1Iu-50XFb_NmuGepG5kUucGjq4eQXBIj93Mb70/s400/ravensthorpe+creek+ben.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356799970770525682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">These ducks were so lovely. There was a mum and dad duck and heaps of tiny baby ducklings. We had to follow them slowly along the road for so long as they just wouldn't get off the road! The kids thought they were so funny.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9CQyGRObebqkbHmeRwDJyQwHKm13EAEo5pD73yS9NIV-mgTTYr00Kpgtk82jhowHLXkdttdgD4qObMYo9yt0pgXv_dD7a-v8kaDP4JuO9NeFhs-eO8URtjky5Sxr9VmTWzjAzFAvfLU/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+daddy+duck.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9CQyGRObebqkbHmeRwDJyQwHKm13EAEo5pD73yS9NIV-mgTTYr00Kpgtk82jhowHLXkdttdgD4qObMYo9yt0pgXv_dD7a-v8kaDP4JuO9NeFhs-eO8URtjky5Sxr9VmTWzjAzFAvfLU/s400/ravensthorpe+daddy+duck.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356799966888225442" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcOPlLfUJ0JVhEeKONjiPiBR_KyQVVrAaeWW9sqhe3cst5tG_GvkmciwawkOOhyphenhyphenl_xg9z29SmcGiUfEE7NoP4p3HcAKJyNlrvenJpunU1YIqhznD_6lcsxNsfcoLvI6Az5DE6nelfG8Q/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+ducks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcOPlLfUJ0JVhEeKONjiPiBR_KyQVVrAaeWW9sqhe3cst5tG_GvkmciwawkOOhyphenhyphenl_xg9z29SmcGiUfEE7NoP4p3HcAKJyNlrvenJpunU1YIqhznD_6lcsxNsfcoLvI6Az5DE6nelfG8Q/s400/ravensthorpe+ducks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356799963284205570" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Let me assure you that Jacob has no intention of collecting this big rock as a "sample". He just wanted to show how strong he was and then throw it in the nearest puddle!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOALjRv9iSssimGKzEdtL7r7KpD1zUv7mElgx909mE7gj0OzqkJVDCIpQlRNodRZ2vpkuuzL8J1JjSTpfN7iYbJZgMYISyhgr0m4zwqh6PQ24UQobEK8mEv-TAldvzqH-s_fXjES0SxdQ/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+jacob.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOALjRv9iSssimGKzEdtL7r7KpD1zUv7mElgx909mE7gj0OzqkJVDCIpQlRNodRZ2vpkuuzL8J1JjSTpfN7iYbJZgMYISyhgr0m4zwqh6PQ24UQobEK8mEv-TAldvzqH-s_fXjES0SxdQ/s400/ravensthorpe+jacob.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356795524373914050" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxtvFsDguS89z4ngUulqhIq731pVj2aKGeHT8H_zO9wmBLO_JOxeGL-GZrEU-JCcXAdZT6cmlZehe2pOQTgvhwl966lHDE3GvJ-e6PIDp2sODV_eDH2VyJ7Bq_zoetxyrYB-s3KlYGtk/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+jacob+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxtvFsDguS89z4ngUulqhIq731pVj2aKGeHT8H_zO9wmBLO_JOxeGL-GZrEU-JCcXAdZT6cmlZehe2pOQTgvhwl966lHDE3GvJ-e6PIDp2sODV_eDH2VyJ7Bq_zoetxyrYB-s3KlYGtk/s400/ravensthorpe+jacob+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356795518671576418" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvN35Dd59eH0XY7a6rrkLQPd3GRLYf7Qzovppt_AX4UM8W89hjtHJPWhGeaYNxjgAqcaXN4KKYz6fVYvgzEYUbLISnAEh8fODbMQAZDlsMOW-gyXdgHTrWsM907KsoVRBlWv2r4aHxgs/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+jacob+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvN35Dd59eH0XY7a6rrkLQPd3GRLYf7Qzovppt_AX4UM8W89hjtHJPWhGeaYNxjgAqcaXN4KKYz6fVYvgzEYUbLISnAEh8fODbMQAZDlsMOW-gyXdgHTrWsM907KsoVRBlWv2r4aHxgs/s400/ravensthorpe+jacob+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356795514362068290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch.</span><span style="font-family:arial;">.. so simple but so delicious! I think it's eating outside in the fresh air that makes all the difference.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wTIdkK_DU740m8cIJ0vwGvvL4GQXNZ6wx09b_YAIeJgaZ2uVG_F5YgWLlnUnwdDvN4WqRhFelTnevtLey8CQY-QT6mDDw712iEg2u4docRpwU-qgwrsB5SGncjnLHcxbjNPD43yC0ZU/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+lunch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wTIdkK_DU740m8cIJ0vwGvvL4GQXNZ6wx09b_YAIeJgaZ2uVG_F5YgWLlnUnwdDvN4WqRhFelTnevtLey8CQY-QT6mDDw712iEg2u4docRpwU-qgwrsB5SGncjnLHcxbjNPD43yC0ZU/s400/ravensthorpe+lunch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356795511722092354" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTRVgZdtf4VHMGiWzahedV91ywDmOG3zN3BakRmecrvqB5cR9CazbdOHisZxIAiSkbIE_8ANBIvOep3OB-DQUpHaxzGp54g5fQHhsbHsttPXXplcMVxUTyiBxtHUvtpN3EckCzfdDlcE/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+mine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTRVgZdtf4VHMGiWzahedV91ywDmOG3zN3BakRmecrvqB5cR9CazbdOHisZxIAiSkbIE_8ANBIvOep3OB-DQUpHaxzGp54g5fQHhsbHsttPXXplcMVxUTyiBxtHUvtpN3EckCzfdDlcE/s400/ravensthorpe+mine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356795506865477986" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ9OtDzc2urmhDcfsj20gpPMcO7xG1uPwdSWGXHyFxsXzS8N-3Sc0ZFFI9TInZdwnkkAUGihYY-f6gObfHiB0U8pi2Vu5msFDitZwjs0ja0S6HiXjjZqHxQkPPlT7B0NS9vqfgwU5n1o/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+mine+michael+oliver.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ9OtDzc2urmhDcfsj20gpPMcO7xG1uPwdSWGXHyFxsXzS8N-3Sc0ZFFI9TInZdwnkkAUGihYY-f6gObfHiB0U8pi2Vu5msFDitZwjs0ja0S6HiXjjZqHxQkPPlT7B0NS9vqfgwU5n1o/s400/ravensthorpe+mine+michael+oliver.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356793875339027106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Jacob climbed up this sheer cliff face and then slid all the way down and landed on his head! He just stood up and dusted himself down, then checked out all his scratches and went off to find another dangerous activity to scare his parents with...</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ6PSI1kym4AkxwSNHXa_YYYhMn-OwxOvPtJI63JYKIN-EjiOZAhh662iS2cUPvHsw8lGnqY0vhD7hPLiJJuhNv0VOuAwuGx3AUB8gSAxTLQGYjKPczN-Nz0IQ15zbdpaQNB3BwbCBrw/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+pit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ6PSI1kym4AkxwSNHXa_YYYhMn-OwxOvPtJI63JYKIN-EjiOZAhh662iS2cUPvHsw8lGnqY0vhD7hPLiJJuhNv0VOuAwuGx3AUB8gSAxTLQGYjKPczN-Nz0IQ15zbdpaQNB3BwbCBrw/s400/ravensthorpe+pit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356793868341363602" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-tuHUKgoIX4DEM5eA8WHGDdcTXonNoyaAXVxCNgJbW7K6GKoIUZfqCjBpYFYcJg3HhxO8YZb0EUztVRbGsWUtkZBK5ObzNQXqdR_opoLQZZh523mowkqhxzqiszwy2vQL2eVO2cgLh0/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+pit+jacob.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-tuHUKgoIX4DEM5eA8WHGDdcTXonNoyaAXVxCNgJbW7K6GKoIUZfqCjBpYFYcJg3HhxO8YZb0EUztVRbGsWUtkZBK5ObzNQXqdR_opoLQZZh523mowkqhxzqiszwy2vQL2eVO2cgLh0/s400/ravensthorpe+pit+jacob.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356793863748839602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Here the kids were actually asking, "Can we go down there?" It was a big hole with steep sides and possibly no bottom... umm, I don't think so!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCEM9x-FZ9PLJ07r2k9tEWTZSVonurPG6NGezPXTTEA9yyZbyL6NG2dv3x-ndNU5JALZVJd3P5Fo-yI3W1Fs_6nuYUCJfIzYHrvxkOdZALAlO7LKa89rKAa-Xw7_PGnKcmdf4O0yvuh0/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+shaft.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCEM9x-FZ9PLJ07r2k9tEWTZSVonurPG6NGezPXTTEA9yyZbyL6NG2dv3x-ndNU5JALZVJd3P5Fo-yI3W1Fs_6nuYUCJfIzYHrvxkOdZALAlO7LKa89rKAa-Xw7_PGnKcmdf4O0yvuh0/s400/ravensthorpe+shaft.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356793855068842850" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It was very windy at this lookout.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjwrUKEkW2jkOoNdXdNS843GlzAPzzqyNFDu4grieB-MA-baXHzFEwhaX17WrxtiQn8_ICDrztyrZ4vRl315hZR7zYvgWRuPC5lQT_vSzsRhwzuYyeHEFIQ23uOQAM2sxhEz1Y1yl50o/s1600-h/ravensthorpe+windy+lookout.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjwrUKEkW2jkOoNdXdNS843GlzAPzzqyNFDu4grieB-MA-baXHzFEwhaX17WrxtiQn8_ICDrztyrZ4vRl315hZR7zYvgWRuPC5lQT_vSzsRhwzuYyeHEFIQ23uOQAM2sxhEz1Y1yl50o/s400/ravensthorpe+windy+lookout.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356793852497925122" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-39383199361206309962009-07-05T16:51:00.007+08:002009-07-10T23:51:06.737+08:00Day 2 - School Holidays<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZolBMU6wlamtExkLkKMetCKcDCyUs951ThHBCjkHaS-dk0W48SJt70lTV1MDNSlG8xJq4bIyPWRjRO6_QDtb5Yxahamvwg513XfXoByBHzppciM16xLxoZAdBYIoTSgUgyBDYd9FeRw/s1600-h/bread+oliver+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZolBMU6wlamtExkLkKMetCKcDCyUs951ThHBCjkHaS-dk0W48SJt70lTV1MDNSlG8xJq4bIyPWRjRO6_QDtb5Yxahamvwg513XfXoByBHzppciM16xLxoZAdBYIoTSgUgyBDYd9FeRw/s400/bread+oliver+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354904364344608866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Well we've just had our second day of the school holidays. Michael was working today, so I took the kids to church this morning, then we came home and made bread!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I gave them all a piece of dough to make whatever they liked and they made all sorts of bread goodies, from plaited bread loaves to a bread man. They added sultanas to some of them which was fun.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I made 2 large loaves and they were very yummy and so easy!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">While the bread was doing it's second rising and baking, I gave Ben a little dish of tiny choc chips to take outside and share with the other kids and when I came outside, they were all sitting on the bricks in a circle sharing them out evenly. It was so cute I had to take a photo.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">When their bread treats were cooked, I took them outside with some butter and they ate them on the trampoline in the beautiful sunshine.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfehWEpqNt5HyMEr-GJDNN1CKt_8oUSX8HRVrYh6jqY95ABkXm7Hu-7ZKE_X1Anu_LBqvKmhKw-prsA1okR_-DQfaz8HKJLQ3jm1erHAItX4C-opXjSAbAg6NeJd_7tislr2Jcoyyjx6Y/s1600-h/bread+oliver+dough.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfehWEpqNt5HyMEr-GJDNN1CKt_8oUSX8HRVrYh6jqY95ABkXm7Hu-7ZKE_X1Anu_LBqvKmhKw-prsA1okR_-DQfaz8HKJLQ3jm1erHAItX4C-opXjSAbAg6NeJd_7tislr2Jcoyyjx6Y/s400/bread+oliver+dough.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354904998901164882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2qikqvZi_xPcAWAsXMbAJuDdDRVhrbOU4OHOCcZLNIMn-H6M8cPetdP4bSFuxbCX0Nmo6xVNUAtPeBedR44zxxgOvoBJcpWuIZcxAVn5G-QyPxwE4M0MnahzD-i2Qvdp-yAwStDC7lQ/s1600-h/bread+oliver.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2qikqvZi_xPcAWAsXMbAJuDdDRVhrbOU4OHOCcZLNIMn-H6M8cPetdP4bSFuxbCX0Nmo6xVNUAtPeBedR44zxxgOvoBJcpWuIZcxAVn5G-QyPxwE4M0MnahzD-i2Qvdp-yAwStDC7lQ/s400/bread+oliver.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354904356839947794" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuYmqGLlpZctoxw9v39cMk7v6SoYO9tsPlNHI1TjigmGB-hzxS-sj9t1wVCfCZEH0tFkglX7L9GbmIPgrts6DM0w128gqxpnV03W0myYoaqmni9ksGpE2WmUyIohHPXis07YhsDWUBzI/s1600-h/bread+oliver+brushing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuYmqGLlpZctoxw9v39cMk7v6SoYO9tsPlNHI1TjigmGB-hzxS-sj9t1wVCfCZEH0tFkglX7L9GbmIPgrts6DM0w128gqxpnV03W0myYoaqmni9ksGpE2WmUyIohHPXis07YhsDWUBzI/s400/bread+oliver+brushing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354904996209157170" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzM3uh5MTOtvM73EWG0yBIETTqsKwnAv-lTSduh38gTHXc3y2GQuVsT78a7WxiaEY6SymqA3Xw68X-VojJ7d54IrYrpTlEmBbYXG2eQWZfdtxvdS2yHCG_xT-GRFH5tjufbseinSChOWM/s1600-h/bread+jacob+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzM3uh5MTOtvM73EWG0yBIETTqsKwnAv-lTSduh38gTHXc3y2GQuVsT78a7WxiaEY6SymqA3Xw68X-VojJ7d54IrYrpTlEmBbYXG2eQWZfdtxvdS2yHCG_xT-GRFH5tjufbseinSChOWM/s400/bread+jacob+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354904356281116274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrVgMosD6S9UUq8rOjhnhIl4OXRmj-SzHeoqZ78cZEF5ArqsWOu11k8OXHRA8elhmCcIuv_4mzAZbL2gMvEh3FwLpcZSf-qO-sthMveI_3fYUpSFLGZIfQj-C9-K3gLI1PPU_6iOV2sQ/s1600-h/bread+jacob.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrVgMosD6S9UUq8rOjhnhIl4OXRmj-SzHeoqZ78cZEF5ArqsWOu11k8OXHRA8elhmCcIuv_4mzAZbL2gMvEh3FwLpcZSf-qO-sthMveI_3fYUpSFLGZIfQj-C9-K3gLI1PPU_6iOV2sQ/s400/bread+jacob.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354904351624929346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaKsElnIbKdyKSXbQdpLfO4lFSVPgMScJqGmtf77nFrZmL8Pj9Z7kWrStjGdM-fXwqHA0jdA8iq-Do5gY8rG7_2W-RQEytTepdngkoEleMjHnLBZqLt5ldud9hw4suoi734f0rmRhLaI/s1600-h/bread+charlotte+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaKsElnIbKdyKSXbQdpLfO4lFSVPgMScJqGmtf77nFrZmL8Pj9Z7kWrStjGdM-fXwqHA0jdA8iq-Do5gY8rG7_2W-RQEytTepdngkoEleMjHnLBZqLt5ldud9hw4suoi734f0rmRhLaI/s400/bread+charlotte+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354904346758363474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg193i3srJKeSYLU8hgxKjJTCJfRuVxt8jF23ZHCF1W3iioRP_M_I8Bw9g52BujmV168soe5YKBsFpOidC8LFCS2NHCBQ-ytNMHzw8SX-zoFlYNy4xlA3cyLDzMOlVrtgta0SdZFTCujN4/s1600-h/bread+charlotte.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg193i3srJKeSYLU8hgxKjJTCJfRuVxt8jF23ZHCF1W3iioRP_M_I8Bw9g52BujmV168soe5YKBsFpOidC8LFCS2NHCBQ-ytNMHzw8SX-zoFlYNy4xlA3cyLDzMOlVrtgta0SdZFTCujN4/s400/bread+charlotte.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354899460199435874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9pzQZzh42zYVQkTSW_Ilfc8WqZB9byUGMT7ce2jKBidxtLg_4VtprK2MOChSd0QXJ2NIKuZQFlnJvDbaJNR5d52JOj4dfi8OHB7rdDL0OXUcCmqp5-qYUvf8zKC4db5R2B4LOostVkg/s1600-h/bread+charlotte+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; 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display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_mraPbz0bEAncPc6XxH4QNy06bGJEbNkk6sJwmqtKh5jbMoZqhViHLT9stB09XelL7KprL2f8rEHJrxrsiOONvxEEzHE8EnvDenPi6rZfKDYsroq7kM75zGNNOweb5GL8F7UcbUadVs/s400/bread+sharing+choc+chips.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354905001999956146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLzJ3x2sKUuqpqdYhcm9n2A44qVo6jm-cyDJSjUd4ff6sRTtlHD_5b2L4Y7jkrpCvS2TrOpwwsfW7-B-FcNieudgxUnIRIZ1RMhGiBi3ylX6PJ7YFCfRRhvrR2mHhldRxMVXwJ0FriQk/s1600-h/bread+oliver+eating.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLzJ3x2sKUuqpqdYhcm9n2A44qVo6jm-cyDJSjUd4ff6sRTtlHD_5b2L4Y7jkrpCvS2TrOpwwsfW7-B-FcNieudgxUnIRIZ1RMhGiBi3ylX6PJ7YFCfRRhvrR2mHhldRxMVXwJ0FriQk/s400/bread+oliver+eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354957878354027330" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSd6ug45aKdMHItNYCTHrt16AB7tiSa26sKYFXG16DUJ-5aT28qrgroq0DXDU3_Dxw574w2F1zyQVkjteQe1i6HaPlQ35Q34_cAJk9MsjKCAJpx36eYt9-tVpYekjCVnCnM8tcPlSywI/s1600-h/bread+eating.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSd6ug45aKdMHItNYCTHrt16AB7tiSa26sKYFXG16DUJ-5aT28qrgroq0DXDU3_Dxw574w2F1zyQVkjteQe1i6HaPlQ35Q34_cAJk9MsjKCAJpx36eYt9-tVpYekjCVnCnM8tcPlSywI/s400/bread+eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354957867100650594" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8d4KC4RqlY673O8JPpvHRuw6Zb0CrMgoWMvz_5ZLYm3_Kx3NwYnB5A08IESDEOefoqObE3_PXudEk5K7ZViqrmftiUEtDMMO3xqdgyWmLuhX2jGt8UN5bkEBt5Vqy6hP53COWrCbNYVM/s1600-h/bread+charlotte+eating.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8d4KC4RqlY673O8JPpvHRuw6Zb0CrMgoWMvz_5ZLYm3_Kx3NwYnB5A08IESDEOefoqObE3_PXudEk5K7ZViqrmftiUEtDMMO3xqdgyWmLuhX2jGt8UN5bkEBt5Vqy6hP53COWrCbNYVM/s400/bread+charlotte+eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354957862110951730" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAO8T2cbDuEPV8qBDvI7Vz2RPHJlXyyBWWdhAu71U9uvmjDF9tFhxIP1jjJ04Q6OHhJa0iBviEomVuzzrK2FqcHSDS0uAQODNFa0r62OSA4asHxDZwk6DXksnHqB95vhcHvJc8ojbPRQ/s1600-h/bread+loaves.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAO8T2cbDuEPV8qBDvI7Vz2RPHJlXyyBWWdhAu71U9uvmjDF9tFhxIP1jjJ04Q6OHhJa0iBviEomVuzzrK2FqcHSDS0uAQODNFa0r62OSA4asHxDZwk6DXksnHqB95vhcHvJc8ojbPRQ/s400/bread+loaves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354957875394462002" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-51378875995677164022009-07-04T14:55:00.004+08:002009-07-04T15:15:29.403+08:00First day of the school holidays!<span style="font-family: arial;">Yay! It's school holiday time at last!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Today I took the kids out to our block and we spent the morning there.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Uncle Ian came out to join us too, which was fun.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">We lit a little campfire and cooked damper on sticks and had it with lemon butter, strawberry jam and cream... yum!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSTvB7gfEUtKD8qDEsd8lBCEWM__7MJKd1QW7sQf_02GIDZYjHrFmG7rQMNLKEg0MJcko2f85v8VrQN6fRGyVa0TiivIlgpq7bBP5AUb_LHMxqwzJMa2Q3F1sXiGVmUkdiUVNOD-zhps/s1600-h/holidays+charlotte+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSTvB7gfEUtKD8qDEsd8lBCEWM__7MJKd1QW7sQf_02GIDZYjHrFmG7rQMNLKEg0MJcko2f85v8VrQN6fRGyVa0TiivIlgpq7bBP5AUb_LHMxqwzJMa2Q3F1sXiGVmUkdiUVNOD-zhps/s400/holidays+charlotte+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354497957869376866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlFFGbKXM9uAGtFb_7ZLIov6Yu7jKtDdlloyXxFL4ZlCcP1eIQuUrXWCFk8M4WP7Cyy0AGty0RI7v8CAV7_YvE989tvOrCmcv5Mxnxj6yLXTHRco0pA1wcjQ2lJfA8CTGGXCQ7pS-i_0/s1600-h/holidays+charlotte.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlFFGbKXM9uAGtFb_7ZLIov6Yu7jKtDdlloyXxFL4ZlCcP1eIQuUrXWCFk8M4WP7Cyy0AGty0RI7v8CAV7_YvE989tvOrCmcv5Mxnxj6yLXTHRco0pA1wcjQ2lJfA8CTGGXCQ7pS-i_0/s400/holidays+charlotte.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354497941910906178" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqj5q3dT-tyO-C4AGYJWjwBPR6BOYXkxLAdWLHvzIaEgbTOiLah9VfJ9OtuzttjrlPWJD-QkYIl89qLhYvYtEgWKeI0b0CVraSX1ZgyJ6JtD8y1pHUuDUQuIPCiBUs79nXp4ouqG9X62Q/s1600-h/holidays+ben+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqj5q3dT-tyO-C4AGYJWjwBPR6BOYXkxLAdWLHvzIaEgbTOiLah9VfJ9OtuzttjrlPWJD-QkYIl89qLhYvYtEgWKeI0b0CVraSX1ZgyJ6JtD8y1pHUuDUQuIPCiBUs79nXp4ouqG9X62Q/s400/holidays+ben+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354497932201439922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-llNXsfzEs9oTggEimbfwlgl-FR1jfQOypmWz5Jhs0RV-bW8PDTnYfnsdcj9QYK9yuBTaxRnXb4DrcHWElLKw5P3dFUoCM-6RmqyWRWKF7YlunBJ5XE4VUzExtwRpK-lkD8Um2eAi_k/s1600-h/holidays+ben+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-llNXsfzEs9oTggEimbfwlgl-FR1jfQOypmWz5Jhs0RV-bW8PDTnYfnsdcj9QYK9yuBTaxRnXb4DrcHWElLKw5P3dFUoCM-6RmqyWRWKF7YlunBJ5XE4VUzExtwRpK-lkD8Um2eAi_k/s400/holidays+ben+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354497905555135362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutp5nMiNX48lX5MY-15jPAWyfS33ZKsnG7QCC1QGH9Tr6lfxI5G9gj6a1TKsRfM3qpHXpdbYZZ-ZCUIDSEyAgi26EZt8dojvWNK8_5ZAkVVtwjjfbAkFqj7OY-qRLObWqkTz2MOU0XTQ/s1600-h/holidays+ben.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutp5nMiNX48lX5MY-15jPAWyfS33ZKsnG7QCC1QGH9Tr6lfxI5G9gj6a1TKsRfM3qpHXpdbYZZ-ZCUIDSEyAgi26EZt8dojvWNK8_5ZAkVVtwjjfbAkFqj7OY-qRLObWqkTz2MOU0XTQ/s400/holidays+ben.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354497885017865218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWZFAYYMlwcvuRFYGkQ0j-ewFrHqi6yUHPof8KpZdJjQI3Ax8W3OGl2I4VYAGHMcIoHo_PSshbytZw_UFBMtKfOVJe9v_-PzXfZ0WNrVlKAQjOZ1p5woq33HtHn30dGqo5TIF6LZOKc0/s1600-h/holidays+oliver+dough.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWZFAYYMlwcvuRFYGkQ0j-ewFrHqi6yUHPof8KpZdJjQI3Ax8W3OGl2I4VYAGHMcIoHo_PSshbytZw_UFBMtKfOVJe9v_-PzXfZ0WNrVlKAQjOZ1p5woq33HtHn30dGqo5TIF6LZOKc0/s400/holidays+oliver+dough.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354499296844523730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Obviously his mum never told him not to run with sticks! </span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6BZ_kTz8RWh_G-OO9yfuClawgyLuiSJ2brr6WKcsuG2hqvLF_PpsB5VbVmhlaWhrWbfoZKh2d3d9pVtf4jrgrzLZ7PSarger1LVcKeawVwRNBxI40HE-RykTwaBg3TRfRUvIPgYYNMA/s1600-h/holidays+jacob.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6BZ_kTz8RWh_G-OO9yfuClawgyLuiSJ2brr6WKcsuG2hqvLF_PpsB5VbVmhlaWhrWbfoZKh2d3d9pVtf4jrgrzLZ7PSarger1LVcKeawVwRNBxI40HE-RykTwaBg3TRfRUvIPgYYNMA/s400/holidays+jacob.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354499281301200210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ0_8EMToAAMxrZ-VdrTZObnTUsPx0F0XfIUQQPJGtfwNppEzD8o8HytuYm_SKEDbi3bbBhWvdvcBgQXKny34bwgMPeWNr7ZANTe_cf30g1TrATJIx8GwH-4m7RMD-y1kbL8vWs7WhEA/s1600-h/holidays+damper.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ0_8EMToAAMxrZ-VdrTZObnTUsPx0F0XfIUQQPJGtfwNppEzD8o8HytuYm_SKEDbi3bbBhWvdvcBgQXKny34bwgMPeWNr7ZANTe_cf30g1TrATJIx8GwH-4m7RMD-y1kbL8vWs7WhEA/s400/holidays+damper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354499274909114578" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq0Njzl-Pa7_F1f4b3MQ5_-mDESC9jA3-gCgK8fXMV1v23E5qnhM-5hi6JuAZN5ktHdcvms4r_Qsh1mBGlraHyZcLg63w9SejoYi40XIdzT7n3xUrLH0pMrzkhY78_jBXdwUEIBcArAE/s1600-h/holidays+charlotte+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq0Njzl-Pa7_F1f4b3MQ5_-mDESC9jA3-gCgK8fXMV1v23E5qnhM-5hi6JuAZN5ktHdcvms4r_Qsh1mBGlraHyZcLg63w9SejoYi40XIdzT7n3xUrLH0pMrzkhY78_jBXdwUEIBcArAE/s400/holidays+charlotte+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354499265575320738" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-44988105869514172762009-07-03T14:46:00.002+08:002009-07-03T15:19:34.077+08:00Shampoo and Conditioner<span style="font-family: arial;">I want to change from our current jumble of bottles, to have the whole family using the same thing (preferably a big pump bottle of each). </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> It needs to be a good natural one that leaves hair feeling, looking and smelling lovely. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> At this stage, I wouldn't consider going <a href="http://www.natural-forces.com/essays/poofree.htm">"shampoo free"</a> like some people do (using apple cider vinegar and baking soda), as I love washing my hair, and love the relaxing experience of fragrant shampoo followed by conditioner, and l like the kids hair to smell nice and fresh.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> Some of the natural ones are too "herby" smelling for me... also I have considered the <a href="http://lush.com.au/catalog/index.php?cPath=26_28">solid shampoo bars</a>, which look like they would be nice and are a great idea, but think they might be a bit messy for the kids to use on their own.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> Any recommendations?<br /><br /></span>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-10697458764010121512009-06-28T19:35:00.005+08:002009-06-30T16:56:26.132+08:00Lemon Butter<span style="font-family:arial;">This lemon butter is so delicious!<br /><br />I have only made stovetop lemon butter before, but this quick and easy microwave recipe came from Michael's Nanna.<br /><br />It made three little pots full, and we had it while it was still warm yesterday, on some fresh lemonade scones with whipped cream!<br /><br />The kids took one pot to Grandma and we are already onto our third!<br /><br />We've been eating it today, spread thickly on fresh bread... yum!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I think I'll make some more tomorrow.</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Lemon Butter</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">1 cup sugar</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">3/4 cup lemon juice</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">4 eggs</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">125 grams butter</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Place the sugar, butter and lemon juice in a large bowl.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Microwave on high for three minutes, stirring halfway.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Beat the eggs well and then beat into the mixture thoroughly.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Microwave on high for four minutes or until thickened, checking and stirring every 30 - 40 seconds.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Beat well.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Cool quickly in the fridge.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Can be used as a delicious filling in tart shells or as a filling in sponge cake.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Freezes well.</span><br /></div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQw2fdzIbiyQFQgKYzWkD6BmXWidhzWOKBWPa6VAnIg1VlGWh-pqVXXvZh1JxW2gmjz9mv2ximFXwdX13hfBI55EE47uLPkT3g-wKaXXacbP3gwMkKXbQBJOE1T1qWqIlW7X-ZsVJkESk/s1600-h/lemon+butter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQw2fdzIbiyQFQgKYzWkD6BmXWidhzWOKBWPa6VAnIg1VlGWh-pqVXXvZh1JxW2gmjz9mv2ximFXwdX13hfBI55EE47uLPkT3g-wKaXXacbP3gwMkKXbQBJOE1T1qWqIlW7X-ZsVJkESk/s400/lemon+butter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352340880571550738" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-2102167130277621342009-06-28T19:12:00.003+08:002009-06-28T21:01:52.720+08:00Making Orange Juice<span style="font-family: arial;">Making a mess... err... I mean orange juice!<br /><br />Kids love making orange juice for some reason. Maybe because it is something that they can do on their own and the finished product actually closely resembles what it is supposed to, or maybe simply because it's fun to make a sticky mess!<br /><br />Ben asked to make orange juice yesterday and he had a lovely time making 4 little glasses of juice. I think a lemon and a mandarine also made their way into the juice but they all seemed to enjoy it.<br /><br />I have an antique glass citrus juicer that I love to use for this purpose. It is so heavy and solid and definitely makes the juice-making process a more pleasant affair than my nasty</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> old</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> plastic one... I do recommend that it is well worth getting a glass citrus juicer if you ever happen come across one in an antique or second hand shop. I think this one was about $15.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHys5xY0gLwvH74P4awKFOnlgsqKZM7Tk4maovKpPFDg0t2gncrc4go_d7idfnHLy9LO5gLdBfCheLcQhcfzLKSnA7qK2-74146Ttn9GkDKK2b50_XIVsq1sIaWfegrxA_cYZF-7xvcM/s1600-h/orange+juice+squeeze.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHys5xY0gLwvH74P4awKFOnlgsqKZM7Tk4maovKpPFDg0t2gncrc4go_d7idfnHLy9LO5gLdBfCheLcQhcfzLKSnA7qK2-74146Ttn9GkDKK2b50_XIVsq1sIaWfegrxA_cYZF-7xvcM/s400/orange+juice+squeeze.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352335743479565234" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYPCE9U8taHyA6ogANDcU3E5Ta0bvaP5muNFFGsLwWc6Wy1R0xcp8UUQMbnzNhwX3QKecF9__N2qsKPjNwg9v7YdMtRK1WBZ95gQoDcTHJV-O6Q-4-kkfzhwZphZHttuoNvwTKgRU8ps/s1600-h/orange+juice+pouring.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYPCE9U8taHyA6ogANDcU3E5Ta0bvaP5muNFFGsLwWc6Wy1R0xcp8UUQMbnzNhwX3QKecF9__N2qsKPjNwg9v7YdMtRK1WBZ95gQoDcTHJV-O6Q-4-kkfzhwZphZHttuoNvwTKgRU8ps/s400/orange+juice+pouring.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352335744715999602" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihECOUGY9lne-Z0ITU04IQA5SmqhLzxFdu4V7LMxz4DlvOfVA28CaRg7dAahbMh3LTLF5GOneT4_N0TAouBKmgYHKafnUeo-XgQ518be2dLmox02SEF0MMHLqTA8-l7W-RPlq3RHyLWv0/s1600-h/orange+juice+pour.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihECOUGY9lne-Z0ITU04IQA5SmqhLzxFdu4V7LMxz4DlvOfVA28CaRg7dAahbMh3LTLF5GOneT4_N0TAouBKmgYHKafnUeo-XgQ518be2dLmox02SEF0MMHLqTA8-l7W-RPlq3RHyLWv0/s400/orange+juice+pour.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352335739373870706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtGuIX7khGNDdgNf8ILysh8MEoTpJrTAeF-OXakIE9Z-H9H6c9EquzaiQL3ft99OdPTv09ONqM1hyWG_n34xCnhcOoCjFBKiVN9CEK9ouDJ3ZeygO2r_ZNQJ5UoRa0g0Mmzy-dlSMKQk/s1600-h/orange+juice.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtGuIX7khGNDdgNf8ILysh8MEoTpJrTAeF-OXakIE9Z-H9H6c9EquzaiQL3ft99OdPTv09ONqM1hyWG_n34xCnhcOoCjFBKiVN9CEK9ouDJ3ZeygO2r_ZNQJ5UoRa0g0Mmzy-dlSMKQk/s400/orange+juice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352335735117628930" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-20154250149101465392009-06-28T18:47:00.005+08:002009-06-28T21:50:10.927+08:00Potato Cakes (Failsafe)<a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEfv1QVe55SQ3tSPGZuedi75Hs1qx9poriGfTM_nICS3eJYuu8FXMaEWcQvBDdRsVPmZSU-pKky8rV2ZhmYdY3zQ-rO626y5K42P5_C1sOlMROd6VxpUww5Gp5QJttSODSoYPfhVUDsg/s1600-h/failsafe+potato+cakes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEfv1QVe55SQ3tSPGZuedi75Hs1qx9poriGfTM_nICS3eJYuu8FXMaEWcQvBDdRsVPmZSU-pKky8rV2ZhmYdY3zQ-rO626y5K42P5_C1sOlMROd6VxpUww5Gp5QJttSODSoYPfhVUDsg/s400/failsafe+potato+cakes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352331201596736674" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">These potato cakes are gluten and dairy free and also failsafe for those who are constantly looking for new recipes on limited diets.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I just made this recipe up, so please forgive the inaccurate measurements! It is a very versatile recipe, so please do not feel you need to stick to it exactly. Any vegetables you like can be added or substituted for these ones.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Our kids love them hot for dinner and they also like them cold in their school lunches the next day.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-family: arial;">Potato Cakes (Failsafe)<br /><br />8 potatoes<br />1/2 choko<br />1 whole leek<br />garlic powder<br />salt<br />potato flour (about 1/2 cup)<br />rice crumbs (about 4 tbsp)<br />4 eggs<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">oil for frying</span><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Grate all vegetables (I used the largest grater on my food processor).</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Squeeze excess liquid from grated vegetables,</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" > drain off</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" > and discard.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Add 4 eggs and mix well.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Add potato flour (amount you need to add may vary depending on how much liquid you have left in) and rice crumbs and mix well.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Add garlic powder and salt to taste.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Heat frying pan, then add oil. You will need a good coating of oil for them to fry well.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Add a large dollup of mixture to your frying pan for each potato cake and slightly flatten.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >When the back is golden brown, gently flip and fry the other side until centre is well cooked.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Fry in batches and keep warm in the oven until ready to serve. You may need to add more oil between batches.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >You can allow some to cool completely and then cover with cling wrap and keep in the fridge to eat cold the next day. Great lunchbox fillers!<br /><br /></span>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-3462267132136131932009-06-18T20:28:00.003+08:002009-06-18T20:41:07.117+08:00Lemonade Scones<span style="font-family:arial;">These are just so ridiculously awesome and sooo quick and easy!! I made them tonight and they were lovely.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Sorry no photos this time... I'll take one next time I make them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I usually make traditional scones, but never again. I am a true convert! I can't believe it has taken me this long to try making lemonade scones.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">They rose to great heights and were amazingly light and fluffy and tasted delicious.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We had them after our roast dinner tonight, with strawberry jam and freshly whipped cream (to which I added a little vanilla and icing sugar). Needless to say, we are all rather full!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I used </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.exclusivelyfood.com.au/2006/07/lemonade-scone-recipe.html" target="_blank">this</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> recipe:</span><br /><br /><br /><div align="center" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:DarkGreen;"><b>Lemonade Scones</b><br /><br />Makes 12-14 scones<br /><br />325g (2 cups and 2 tbs) SR Flour<br />2/3 cup cold lemonade<br />2/3 cup cream<br /></span></div><span style=";font-family:arial;color:DarkGreen;" ><br /><br />Preheat oven to 225 degrees Celcius (205 degrees if fan forced)<br /><br />Line baking tray with baking paper<br /><br />Sift flour into a large bowl<br /><br />Add lemonade and cream<br /><br />Very gently fold ingredients together until just combined (do NOT overmix or scones will be tough)! Dough should be fairly soft and sticky<br /><br />Place dough on a lightly floured bench, gently shape into a round and press to about 3.5 cm height<br /><br />Cut scones with a floured 5cm diameter cutter<br /><br />Form offcuts into another round and cut more scones<br /><br />Place scones close together on the tray so they are just touching (this helps them to rise well)<br /><br />Bake for 12-15 minutes until light golden and cooked through<br /><br />If you like scones with a soft crust (I don't but some people do), cover with a teatowel for 1 min after removing from oven<br /><br />Serve hot with jam and whipped cream<br /><br /></span>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-26926393592651371642009-06-14T17:34:00.006+08:002009-06-18T21:18:15.221+08:00Devil's Slide<a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktpZsdcHg1tlc-gKzPu7SOATagMFhB8wj0xu1Grb63kqytgmjX5Ywqlq3dIlI3nJghJju7SY41EJoBksQte39g-uJZbombLDmC9ktcMJTlwe6sKNhYAPVxgjh_kaQhda7ZRdhhy73PHI/s1600-h/devils+slide+top+mum.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktpZsdcHg1tlc-gKzPu7SOATagMFhB8wj0xu1Grb63kqytgmjX5Ywqlq3dIlI3nJghJju7SY41EJoBksQte39g-uJZbombLDmC9ktcMJTlwe6sKNhYAPVxgjh_kaQhda7ZRdhhy73PHI/s400/devils+slide+top+mum.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347142167968393138" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Instead of going to church on Sunday morning, we climbed Devil's Slide! We prayed as we walked and it was wonderful to be out in God's beautiful creation as a family.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The kids all did really well, and we didn't get any complaining on the way up. A couple of them did slip over on the way down, but they were fine. It drizzled a little on the way up and was freezing cold at the top (toughen the kids up I say!) but we all had a lovely time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">After our climb up the mountain and back, we bought hot pies on the way home for lunch and had them with a warm milo followed by hot baths. What a lovely day!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nzW4_Yjo26IKX8IP0Sg_iVfng9NgqylBfjz4GH-XApngp_VRGKOxKCZiPCGY5WWaq5yKGdZu4cZ5v7UpcSIFqQbNR5dEFqgeB_xUc-gEmuSQ2QH1vC9QBAnBxOrVkdFVSQ_wopCVUEg/s1600-h/devils+slide+tree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nzW4_Yjo26IKX8IP0Sg_iVfng9NgqylBfjz4GH-XApngp_VRGKOxKCZiPCGY5WWaq5yKGdZu4cZ5v7UpcSIFqQbNR5dEFqgeB_xUc-gEmuSQ2QH1vC9QBAnBxOrVkdFVSQ_wopCVUEg/s400/devils+slide+tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347142164273306706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitCdbfJWFOipBjA7N-EoIBTeqDLT3oboGn_nVJrMfIGSpkN5IBF45fGZELges0yTbCi9GR8r4WVNgH9EofHjPQ-gun7lwj1uk1ZTNj5Q6LW7fOW3-wMwcG8HWQiogAwB_FGpSpsJgsZg/s1600-h/devils+slide+treeinarock2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitCdbfJWFOipBjA7N-EoIBTeqDLT3oboGn_nVJrMfIGSpkN5IBF45fGZELges0yTbCi9GR8r4WVNgH9EofHjPQ-gun7lwj1uk1ZTNj5Q6LW7fOW3-wMwcG8HWQiogAwB_FGpSpsJgsZg/s400/devils+slide+treeinarock2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347142163204527810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyTWdYx3l2d2qqgbfRE2Vg_hVzbqSCISRUH0lpUyqQ297Qj4Kp1XFvGRZ8Dl9hI8rY1W3G9KMy7CGtA9yXWxZZmzgJ86MsI9ZlSD0i8tUS_QMscqYj0iZ9dFOSH_QWy0v-sXuHt3nXEU/s1600-h/devils+slide+trees.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyTWdYx3l2d2qqgbfRE2Vg_hVzbqSCISRUH0lpUyqQ297Qj4Kp1XFvGRZ8Dl9hI8rY1W3G9KMy7CGtA9yXWxZZmzgJ86MsI9ZlSD0i8tUS_QMscqYj0iZ9dFOSH_QWy0v-sXuHt3nXEU/s400/devils+slide+trees.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347142158164782962" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTUMUadufRFGRtXRN8Bcer8zgjs6L_JVG66dDcWswpzIhhgKWeOLtoLMGB_agTmwpJ5lVa6UnJhaugpDAAqI0ZtmqHgk97JTJxACkgBEvTJ46u9V3Pa9rrb7TsWXVBgyL6XlS_cWH1DI/s1600-h/devils+slide+walk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTUMUadufRFGRtXRN8Bcer8zgjs6L_JVG66dDcWswpzIhhgKWeOLtoLMGB_agTmwpJ5lVa6UnJhaugpDAAqI0ZtmqHgk97JTJxACkgBEvTJ46u9V3Pa9rrb7TsWXVBgyL6XlS_cWH1DI/s400/devils+slide+walk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347142154753399922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL3M5jFaN2vLk5HJobbGjZJGTW4t2qsphE8nz6TZIw3i8bYTg5XOsnG0rzB1S7rTWtf1ldX4GEtRfFcm-1ynrNM5Re9ZZ0SRHM1_juWQXfxR3iaFc5Ms3sllnsGkpo0nR_1clk-KLG0A/s1600-h/devils+slide+start+of+hike.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL3M5jFaN2vLk5HJobbGjZJGTW4t2qsphE8nz6TZIw3i8bYTg5XOsnG0rzB1S7rTWtf1ldX4GEtRfFcm-1ynrNM5Re9ZZ0SRHM1_juWQXfxR3iaFc5Ms3sllnsGkpo0nR_1clk-KLG0A/s400/devils+slide+start+of+hike.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347124053623744210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5XVQhLFD2msIj_20fAtOcCuZ8rDKDAnfGb86i0wq1MFKRtfCZe4jGi5js9BoCkCSroGogMNhyphenhyphenuuJ9G6KTIQTMUTGH3bbauPLL4W7XWToLB7q5Svihp5mTHkKhY5BJI2rmv2bXRS_d7w/s1600-h/devils+slide+oliver.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5XVQhLFD2msIj_20fAtOcCuZ8rDKDAnfGb86i0wq1MFKRtfCZe4jGi5js9BoCkCSroGogMNhyphenhyphenuuJ9G6KTIQTMUTGH3bbauPLL4W7XWToLB7q5Svihp5mTHkKhY5BJI2rmv2bXRS_d7w/s400/devils+slide+oliver.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347124051908294306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYaPLhuhRA7CMGjxHOtZ48EuTVYKK56ZzwZMLvxJ1HC47PDIRWWYMm0eEKTbyg1ktejLkj1ywGh5LuLQEKqBeK3z-M-tEeR5j9WxhRug-MFTX-xKRRH9iGMmjaPZYAQZ752K1DwOdjzg/s1600-h/devils+slide+magpie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYaPLhuhRA7CMGjxHOtZ48EuTVYKK56ZzwZMLvxJ1HC47PDIRWWYMm0eEKTbyg1ktejLkj1ywGh5LuLQEKqBeK3z-M-tEeR5j9WxhRug-MFTX-xKRRH9iGMmjaPZYAQZ752K1DwOdjzg/s400/devils+slide+magpie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347124050574482034" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWkv3QOg0WSV8QqzztE9Qy1wKY6B23fD7tTkeJZgFEXbkepfS7vrXRgOgyUc7DwVleeDynBhZyD3EG1zdWvloQr4WKx7LUBZWgipDvfra1IwWKrrSeeYZ4V7Uw71A9nzzSucA5Ed8Gz4/s1600-h/devils+slide+hollow+tree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWkv3QOg0WSV8QqzztE9Qy1wKY6B23fD7tTkeJZgFEXbkepfS7vrXRgOgyUc7DwVleeDynBhZyD3EG1zdWvloQr4WKx7LUBZWgipDvfra1IwWKrrSeeYZ4V7Uw71A9nzzSucA5Ed8Gz4/s400/devils+slide+hollow+tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347124045850017266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwu-rN-S2e54kvh-bAOsKaq7ufwjYwuEFtyyP3M9xwfBJ3It8hyphenhyphencFEeNA51ymJjXRgKFfM8xVXbOguvgGzmCcwLCNaQQ77lCXHBhDZowxy8uew2JkJyhvRvK7V3zY35R_b3IBEjeSWhs/s1600-h/devils+slide+hike.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwu-rN-S2e54kvh-bAOsKaq7ufwjYwuEFtyyP3M9xwfBJ3It8hyphenhyphencFEeNA51ymJjXRgKFfM8xVXbOguvgGzmCcwLCNaQQ77lCXHBhDZowxy8uew2JkJyhvRvK7V3zY35R_b3IBEjeSWhs/s400/devils+slide+hike.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347124043588261250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvlB_OZOqvJG1IgV3fFb7AXanwe7I12OahwLcg46K9ojfKbslAC6FGffCvQxjmgXAe9rdf_eIQSI6IUuCxIcb8HQGKRXh2WyDMrAr33a3KMsz-iN7EAxZybOvaFqNw0KABlXWJlirqgI/s1600-h/devils+slide+charlotte.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvlB_OZOqvJG1IgV3fFb7AXanwe7I12OahwLcg46K9ojfKbslAC6FGffCvQxjmgXAe9rdf_eIQSI6IUuCxIcb8HQGKRXh2WyDMrAr33a3KMsz-iN7EAxZybOvaFqNw0KABlXWJlirqgI/s400/devils+slide+charlotte.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347122591643743970" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAzkirLXVe-ZVk4lcnw3yE9gBYWtZCy9ZtfH38tWeOaCtJsxFTrdKsBE4XUKlbYizSt01Tq7hiCQCFgq60u571Srk3RhyOMl2W9MXY6JFDWyaY3CBXNToLt4fN2ap9xffNCsPjWorD5c/s1600-h/devils+slide+bridge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAzkirLXVe-ZVk4lcnw3yE9gBYWtZCy9ZtfH38tWeOaCtJsxFTrdKsBE4XUKlbYizSt01Tq7hiCQCFgq60u571Srk3RhyOMl2W9MXY6JFDWyaY3CBXNToLt4fN2ap9xffNCsPjWorD5c/s400/devils+slide+bridge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347122585297019346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwNs_HQkIXcuko_smkQScnGinF3H5h7ok4gojTC7wYErH8DFtn7P2vbJJIflddi8VkFQM7rMFYQSw9jtI3SqtTonHvMXvv2ds4TO_wdh9stfppg71pfW9xe0x_Cus8JlyvzLK8PE8Gl8/s1600-h/devils+slide+branch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwNs_HQkIXcuko_smkQScnGinF3H5h7ok4gojTC7wYErH8DFtn7P2vbJJIflddi8VkFQM7rMFYQSw9jtI3SqtTonHvMXvv2ds4TO_wdh9stfppg71pfW9xe0x_Cus8JlyvzLK8PE8Gl8/s400/devils+slide+branch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347122584040726610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSZQeH1ZBC6P3y_PqHE3U9fO9tCQ9xUfocxjAUK5J9wsggWh0QMZzNlVG4g1s3uaclLqfUDrbOghNoM0suSyTGN2S-zc4uPU9yeHRies_FFtmCIliQ6KVKx0ghznvDSkEUVMrjKIrSlg/s1600-h/devils+slide+boys.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSZQeH1ZBC6P3y_PqHE3U9fO9tCQ9xUfocxjAUK5J9wsggWh0QMZzNlVG4g1s3uaclLqfUDrbOghNoM0suSyTGN2S-zc4uPU9yeHRies_FFtmCIliQ6KVKx0ghznvDSkEUVMrjKIrSlg/s400/devils+slide+boys.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347122584192098962" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeF0NmwRo_aaMZki9sXh10YO_J18mnCq03drRdyDzbJ5kVK2pSnNRG_zdcxUeqDRFv7HToIGYl_8oPB5w3JCO1qKaMfBIeZ4q4Z-PzbEJs6hKzlh75F7Bcjf_FCRGt4_LMIRA8nB5na4/s1600-h/devils+slide+ben+dad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeF0NmwRo_aaMZki9sXh10YO_J18mnCq03drRdyDzbJ5kVK2pSnNRG_zdcxUeqDRFv7HToIGYl_8oPB5w3JCO1qKaMfBIeZ4q4Z-PzbEJs6hKzlh75F7Bcjf_FCRGt4_LMIRA8nB5na4/s400/devils+slide+ben+dad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347122576827206178" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-26815981191047527212009-06-12T17:27:00.006+08:002009-06-12T21:22:19.234+08:00Apple Custard Tea Cakes<span style="font-family:arial;">I got this recipe from Alice (my sister) and made them this afternoon.</span><br /><div align="center"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I was really impressed with how delicious they were, although I must admit I did have my doubts when </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">ma</span>king them that they would turn out so well.</span></span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />The funny thing was that I decided to make these apple cakes today to help get rid of a huge bag of cooking apples that need using up, and when I got halfway through the recipe, I realised that it only uses 1 apple! </span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Next time I make these (and there will definitely be a next time), </span><span style="font-family:arial;">I will put a few slices of apple on each cake. At least that way I might use up three apples... I will also double the recipe because 12 cakes is nowhere near enough to keep everyone happy here... especially when <span style="font-family:arial;">the cakes are so yummy!</span></span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Oh, and I didn't put on the melted butter and cinnamon/sugar mix. I just dusted them with icing sugar and they were awesome!</span> </div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:Navy;"><b><br />Apple Custard Tea Cakes</b></span></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /><br /><b>Makes 12</b><br /><br /></span> <span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">90 grams butter</span></span></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> ½ tsp vanilla extract</span></span></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> ½ cup caster sugar</span></span></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> 2 eggs</span></span></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> 3/4 cup self-raising flour</span></span></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> 1/4 cup custard powder</span></span></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> 2 tbsp milk</span></span></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> 1 large apple</span></span></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> 30 grams butter (extra for brushing hot cakes)</span></span></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> 1tsp sugar combined with 1/2 tsp cinnamon for dusting</span></span></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Custard</b></span></span></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> 1 tbsp custard powder</span></span></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> 1 tbsp caster sugar</span></span></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> 1/2 cup milk</span></span></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> 1/4 tsp vanilla</span></span></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><span style="color:Navy;"><br /></span><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> 1. Make custard and leave to cool</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> 2. Mix butter, vanilla, sugar, eggs, SR flour, custard powder and milk on low speed till just combined... increase speed and beat until mixture is changed to a paler colour.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> 3. Divide half the mixture among cases top with custard and then spread remaining mixture over the top. Top with apple slices.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> 4. Bake for approx 30 min @ 180 degrees.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> 5. Brush hot cakes with extra butter and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon!</span></span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVOM2396TdYK2WA-KkGTC_mA-yhQOCATjq8wQnVWKJMP4R7G-zxFleYHhbL6-zDaHELomlv8WL4412r2tYZSkoOXucwTq29cCIjrXr5Th8-l_eIObw-oPbxQrGD78Z3l__ml4zWcy-9w/s1600-h/custard+apple+tea+cakes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVOM2396TdYK2WA-KkGTC_mA-yhQOCATjq8wQnVWKJMP4R7G-zxFleYHhbL6-zDaHELomlv8WL4412r2tYZSkoOXucwTq29cCIjrXr5Th8-l_eIObw-oPbxQrGD78Z3l__ml4zWcy-9w/s400/custard+apple+tea+cakes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346372518650507522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLL0R8ULlcgCjNdsGqitNvNSmAXwpCoEjEsMsFsAA8vQ9qk4DVeQv2G-GggUeRYm6wVFTlW5iIbTgxy1o78Mbyk-0OC0rupFTia1KBqtBnIW_pEqjqS8cJEk6oglCyevWFIf-NKFblSCM/s1600-h/custard+apple+tea+cakes+dusted.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLL0R8ULlcgCjNdsGqitNvNSmAXwpCoEjEsMsFsAA8vQ9qk4DVeQv2G-GggUeRYm6wVFTlW5iIbTgxy1o78Mbyk-0OC0rupFTia1KBqtBnIW_pEqjqS8cJEk6oglCyevWFIf-NKFblSCM/s400/custard+apple+tea+cakes+dusted.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346372524087827890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:Navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-33790659541270214502009-06-06T12:24:00.011+08:002009-06-06T12:50:24.335+08:00Wood heater with oven!<span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >We are looking at maybe getting a fireplace (in the open living area of the house that we build) that also has an oven and hot plate, so that in winter when the fire is going, we will be able to pop a casserole in the oven to cook during the day, or cook homemade pizzas when people come over, and keep a kettle on top for cuppas all day long... heh heh.<br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhNzqgNc28N_nNasUejP3Or4iMwdtsjuai3Is9Blj4eOx9Sle3J9LPys9tmXb71bVqE6wOto7s7vjiqPUyenyjmiwPCmSfBfAIwzdPTYmIWWQnxmJYiu-BGNPcGTciL_vW_lnpQS8BK8/s1600-h/cookers_gourmet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhNzqgNc28N_nNasUejP3Or4iMwdtsjuai3Is9Blj4eOx9Sle3J9LPys9tmXb71bVqE6wOto7s7vjiqPUyenyjmiwPCmSfBfAIwzdPTYmIWWQnxmJYiu-BGNPcGTciL_vW_lnpQS8BK8/s400/cookers_gourmet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344066098798291746" border="0" /></a></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.thefireplace.com.au/cookers.htm#gourmet" target="_blank">Wood fired cookers and ovens by Abbey Fireplaces</a><br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="">I am so excited about it! It will remind me of the woodstove we had as our only stove/oven in the kitchen when I was growing up... only we will also have a normal oven and stove in the kitchen of our new house... so no pressure to light it every day, just in winter when it's cold, or for fun if we feel like pizzas!<br /><br />We can also opt to run our hot water through the back of the fireplace as a winter backup to a solar panel on the roof, so we are currently looking into that too. It's just a matter of being able to afford it all up front... it would be great if we could, as it will save so much on gas/electricity bills in the future.</span></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></span></span>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-38994084618167827052009-06-04T10:06:00.007+08:002009-06-04T10:43:58.845+08:00Yummy Carrot Cupcakes!<a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6McemVT8eqybA_Pwb3QLOG5W6WyFXKuT9ij-FpNWVuHf1oIHE4Om0sERmdDwTp9DaW4v-2mMGH-BhtFwl_KtnxerpFj57XPyyFT3CfwgfbolrxhdPdNmCsZbPA-DZg8v18_xzM4ngZOk/s1600-h/carrot+cake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6McemVT8eqybA_Pwb3QLOG5W6WyFXKuT9ij-FpNWVuHf1oIHE4Om0sERmdDwTp9DaW4v-2mMGH-BhtFwl_KtnxerpFj57XPyyFT3CfwgfbolrxhdPdNmCsZbPA-DZg8v18_xzM4ngZOk/s400/carrot+cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343295148280029106" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >I made these last night and have eaten far too many of them already. They are so delicious! A slightly chewy top, and moist and full of flavor inside.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >I used the following recipe (but didn't add the walnuts or the cinnamon). I topped them with the cream cheese icing but used far less icing sugar (less than half) than the recipe calls for, and they were perfect.<br /><br />We had them topped with lightly toasted fresh pecans. Yum!</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><br />Don't be put off by the amount of oil... that is what makes them so moist and perfect. Anyway, olive oil is good for you, heh heh.<br /><br />Oh, and I totally forgot to see how many this recipe made. I cooked them in batches, and we ate the first couple of batches hot out of the oven before I even got a chance to ice them. It made a lot anyway! I would guess about 28, and they are a pretty substantial size.<br /></span></span> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Wingdings; panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:2; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p {mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0cm; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0cm; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; 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mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">Carrot cupcakes</span></strong></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:18;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </div><ul style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">2 cups self-raising flour<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">1 1/2 cups plain flour<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">1 teaspoon bicarbonate soda<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">2 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">2 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">2 cups caster sugar<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">3 1/2 cups coarsley grated carrot<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">100 grams walnuts (roughly chopped)<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">1 1/4 cups vegetable oil<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">5 eggs (lightly beaten)<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">300 grams sour cream<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">2 teaspoons vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">Cream cheese icing</span></strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </div><ul style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">500 grams cream cheese (softened)<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">3 1/3 cups icing sugar<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">Method</span></strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <ol style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Pre-heat oven to 180C<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Sift flours, soda and spices into a large bowl. Add caster sugar, grated carrot and 3/4 of the walnuts. Stir to combine.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">In a separate bowl, whisk oil, eggs, sour cream and vanilla until smooth<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Add to dry ingredients and stir until just combine<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Pour batter into cupcakes and bake in the oven for 1 hour or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Stand for 20 minutes then turn onto a wire rack to cool<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">For icing, beat cream cheese using electric beaters until smooth<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Add vanilla and beat well, gradually add icing sugar, beating until smooth and creamy</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Top cupcakes with cream cheese icing and decorate with remaining walnuts (or pecans)</span><br /></span></li></ol><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvTsui8-6WnNqYK4IImxTDoQsPRpZ6YE2RPfqTeVmBgRkKM0nvR7J6jzgFY4FiwES4dewYDmk1L31HFi68SmscZ1yWvvmoOnoBQ5yxp8QEmtsLFY-Z1KqelQZaWF-uq1MQFti_UEgVuM/s1600-h/carrot+cakes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvTsui8-6WnNqYK4IImxTDoQsPRpZ6YE2RPfqTeVmBgRkKM0nvR7J6jzgFY4FiwES4dewYDmk1L31HFi68SmscZ1yWvvmoOnoBQ5yxp8QEmtsLFY-Z1KqelQZaWF-uq1MQFti_UEgVuM/s400/carrot+cakes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343293827334821506" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Pc6IKdo4AaEuy8ueRPCKFYaCjPaka9BJMJE3EvxqCE-H8zpLpu8mIckzrGkpjA5q-8enIOp5-lBAP-171CL0dwapr8BfH8cgpC0-Hr9XM4eOmA1Ned_NttZ7i7m_lPj7HKU1EP21P3Y/s1600-h/carrot+cakes+tray.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Pc6IKdo4AaEuy8ueRPCKFYaCjPaka9BJMJE3EvxqCE-H8zpLpu8mIckzrGkpjA5q-8enIOp5-lBAP-171CL0dwapr8BfH8cgpC0-Hr9XM4eOmA1Ned_NttZ7i7m_lPj7HKU1EP21P3Y/s400/carrot+cakes+tray.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343293839594819474" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6yDG-Yq3FcXpGkUVkLoFWBTVTM8DpT5362j_PP2J6h-ZAOvt6yXj1zRZbffdkoyBQwBDMNlRoNp38WpYwA8c9znOS-l1afZAotC6Pe1uPZo5qv30hmdFhz9_-JJIAxJZWxbr4mXGTto/s1600-h/carrot+cake+yum.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6yDG-Yq3FcXpGkUVkLoFWBTVTM8DpT5362j_PP2J6h-ZAOvt6yXj1zRZbffdkoyBQwBDMNlRoNp38WpYwA8c9znOS-l1afZAotC6Pe1uPZo5qv30hmdFhz9_-JJIAxJZWxbr4mXGTto/s400/carrot+cake+yum.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343295153529275970" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkKzRrKAWAsbgV1Bhg11ol0fAdTybHY7flBMx6ZmGFJnamIdPAV7yATA0L-qBshUzZYi4y3dfuPUKqDTDA5dBDQ-Mu2Frok55JEb8DcjS-vFHsX3fDOIWIDG28G4DvAK1F5Y7c-Bal-c/s1600-h/carrot+cakes+pecans.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkKzRrKAWAsbgV1Bhg11ol0fAdTybHY7flBMx6ZmGFJnamIdPAV7yATA0L-qBshUzZYi4y3dfuPUKqDTDA5dBDQ-Mu2Frok55JEb8DcjS-vFHsX3fDOIWIDG28G4DvAK1F5Y7c-Bal-c/s400/carrot+cakes+pecans.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343293831000443346" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-40795929821715989112009-05-14T20:56:00.006+08:002009-05-14T21:45:32.989+08:00Day at our bush block<span style="font-family:arial;">We spent the whole day out at our bush block today. Michael hired a little tractor with a slasher on the back and a front end loader, and he was on it from first thing this morning until tonight when it got dark. He had great fun! </span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Oliver and I got out there not long after Michael and spent the morning getting the fire ready and picking rocks and stumps from where Michael was trying to mow the lawn. </span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />At lunchtime, I picked up the other three kids from school so that they could come out to the block and spend the afternoon with us. They didn't want to miss out on the bonfire and tractor!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">We had lunch on a picnic rug, and then lit the big fire. We had great fun chucking wood on the fire, and even had marshmallows when friends came out to join us later on in the afternoon.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />At the end of the day, we were all exhausted and filthy, but we got heaps done and the block <span style="font-family:arial;">looks great!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Now to make our minds up about what we are going to build there...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhAacDbVgMdSgdrKHJMH1OlfNtqHajisVIQ8kxkR201bRuSrdFzJyEpw0hH2X9b8BtG3Asdpz2ybK7nDOzgxmuTbxsSk0j_BYOicKGEc5RjTONV6gWA8fP72fwAb0nAzGPm3Ap4xYqTM/s1600-h/block+slasher.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhAacDbVgMdSgdrKHJMH1OlfNtqHajisVIQ8kxkR201bRuSrdFzJyEpw0hH2X9b8BtG3Asdpz2ybK7nDOzgxmuTbxsSk0j_BYOicKGEc5RjTONV6gWA8fP72fwAb0nAzGPm3Ap4xYqTM/s400/block+slasher.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335668330730777634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQ7tX2lOFn_FgMcN5R1E7xN-ViAI4zFIw50aWHxoJorvqv8GbwDafUfEHJt-BdsXwLMe0-BqJMWCT82OuT3hDCwdOjdPmeZfxGXGb4ktpQPN1ml3v6Mv8QamBSsKxEoPcvIh_jPBfup8/s1600-h/block+charlotte+grass.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQ7tX2lOFn_FgMcN5R1E7xN-ViAI4zFIw50aWHxoJorvqv8GbwDafUfEHJt-BdsXwLMe0-BqJMWCT82OuT3hDCwdOjdPmeZfxGXGb4ktpQPN1ml3v6Mv8QamBSsKxEoPcvIh_jPBfup8/s400/block+charlotte+grass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335670210021120450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7NqhpI9w6pSeiZe367UQC25rv4YhOsbw4bCxaGbnCHRmDb9mApAA43Gf2IE2Bto9JlRE8qhsPsKeADKIKkPNL_uxLbq8_sAq-HafTs4qTlzgn6cSDPK65nMY3eXlYMt0jc7Uus_Nu5A/s1600-h/block+grass.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7NqhpI9w6pSeiZe367UQC25rv4YhOsbw4bCxaGbnCHRmDb9mApAA43Gf2IE2Bto9JlRE8qhsPsKeADKIKkPNL_uxLbq8_sAq-HafTs4qTlzgn6cSDPK65nMY3eXlYMt0jc7Uus_Nu5A/s400/block+grass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335670205240967362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibinPZQAeA3lOJ69YEa4_SSFKCoWq98o0xpqQwoYqyQ7ydaLa5L0mkJZWgzvE9qFf2Ribd7WVpP343LjZeLO_Y1Ff8L6c35F6Yz8ovubHCSsxfl6eQNN3erx_g1rhWVNzGAFJm2N-XsWI/s1600-h/block+grass+fires.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibinPZQAeA3lOJ69YEa4_SSFKCoWq98o0xpqQwoYqyQ7ydaLa5L0mkJZWgzvE9qFf2Ribd7WVpP343LjZeLO_Y1Ff8L6c35F6Yz8ovubHCSsxfl6eQNN3erx_g1rhWVNzGAFJm2N-XsWI/s400/block+grass+fires.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335668335680465266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlA64saRWSRsiI555_9YVJZJztuYzQeoE3dae-DyurR8Vlp132wbVkR1aygVvRGejScg_xXGqMzFRMnfUmtKXgLhVw7NskNTdjSwo7l110OjSlH1LXu386Qc5EEmYZbkZEhHAPSkLQFo/s1600-h/block+tractor+fire.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlA64saRWSRsiI555_9YVJZJztuYzQeoE3dae-DyurR8Vlp132wbVkR1aygVvRGejScg_xXGqMzFRMnfUmtKXgLhVw7NskNTdjSwo7l110OjSlH1LXu386Qc5EEmYZbkZEhHAPSkLQFo/s400/block+tractor+fire.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335668323490200562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZuSpjaVARPDCWSncsmiWmoVBzdGg9MMVk_MGbz1pw_4RVLMWAazFleG7DNeXL4SxUWkNn2qjfUIo2m6J04iIvKuzB1GB1QNcdTLRHtsiAi_vCNQvFKSL8wqcPk9FjKjLQPuSKNGhrGA/s1600-h/block+marshmallows.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZuSpjaVARPDCWSncsmiWmoVBzdGg9MMVk_MGbz1pw_4RVLMWAazFleG7DNeXL4SxUWkNn2qjfUIo2m6J04iIvKuzB1GB1QNcdTLRHtsiAi_vCNQvFKSL8wqcPk9FjKjLQPuSKNGhrGA/s400/block+marshmallows.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335668328628493986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxFXjFIi7KxEsqL2wPftWHAvcVAOi1a_Mof_ARqsFUiDp9Io0WjTwqVRjGGpPpJWNeDsznUhZinD_mFdJOkleNmNKCcdFSp6WFTWMrZoTwtSFuXjQSQLoiuczp8d1enKWRUz6siqXy78/s1600-h/block+tractor+bush.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxFXjFIi7KxEsqL2wPftWHAvcVAOi1a_Mof_ARqsFUiDp9Io0WjTwqVRjGGpPpJWNeDsznUhZinD_mFdJOkleNmNKCcdFSp6WFTWMrZoTwtSFuXjQSQLoiuczp8d1enKWRUz6siqXy78/s400/block+tractor+bush.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335668329187027106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7MOKjhOWzyN8DkJ2-qCKsDl17v1jbXXoaXhKcQYlyplqqQdz4TX5sOU0-g__rZuJ5e8j7Q9FyULLxRWYVp3R2qRaH3r88MfJj__CloBhVcBIW1LEBNmDXdienAnSx43zWsVnh3XtEIA/s1600-h/block+fire+tractor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7MOKjhOWzyN8DkJ2-qCKsDl17v1jbXXoaXhKcQYlyplqqQdz4TX5sOU0-g__rZuJ5e8j7Q9FyULLxRWYVp3R2qRaH3r88MfJj__CloBhVcBIW1LEBNmDXdienAnSx43zWsVnh3XtEIA/s400/block+fire+tractor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335670205791668194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDCLCmeKjW0QRyDhjfC57x_jEK7RUENvUreErMcSScv_9PjN8WIp9ri1V8j0I0sXVbUTuh684uL1w6xdTeR-5la_61j1HFdIqZwMOhzrh859NkDtxgYsVwLZcMWU_e8SapOQvwyaHrqA/s1600-h/block+fire+charlotte.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDCLCmeKjW0QRyDhjfC57x_jEK7RUENvUreErMcSScv_9PjN8WIp9ri1V8j0I0sXVbUTuh684uL1w6xdTeR-5la_61j1HFdIqZwMOhzrh859NkDtxgYsVwLZcMWU_e8SapOQvwyaHrqA/s400/block+fire+charlotte.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335670204650719922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAORqz4RnWNEc_0iMADck3EjhzzvDkHiIOAn9AU7l2FQnHV11TSFqVb1I_kFooVHnru66SlGwm7qUSs4TDXNYf6NYdzg04K1Ey0h2iqAT5U02helC3F2EsB6sS5yeuPPmNVCb1OsF-N4/s1600-h/block+oliver+tractor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAORqz4RnWNEc_0iMADck3EjhzzvDkHiIOAn9AU7l2FQnHV11TSFqVb1I_kFooVHnru66SlGwm7qUSs4TDXNYf6NYdzg04K1Ey0h2iqAT5U02helC3F2EsB6sS5yeuPPmNVCb1OsF-N4/s400/block+oliver+tractor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335675129738916962" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-42813725559081447792009-05-11T17:01:00.003+08:002009-05-11T17:14:38.655+08:00Home made crumpets!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCZ8uIpTdYbHVfvSk82NAyKYF1Z2G8qqN6coRqARcd4qP0_hRTHQXYFjuimRZL32scjMvdkPg9SUXVdJeLDPhMOi59dPLKhVt9-O2RS16YHclRyuq2Bhp6M1Zu1MOKryw1LZ06yqYr7s/s1600-h/crumpets+yum.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCZ8uIpTdYbHVfvSk82NAyKYF1Z2G8qqN6coRqARcd4qP0_hRTHQXYFjuimRZL32scjMvdkPg9SUXVdJeLDPhMOi59dPLKhVt9-O2RS16YHclRyuq2Bhp6M1Zu1MOKryw1LZ06yqYr7s/s400/crumpets+yum.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334491815788377650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">These are so much fun to make! </span> <span style="font-family:arial;">I used </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.homehints.com.au/cooking+tips/1815/how+to/homemade+crumpets">this</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> recipe:<br /><br /></span> <p style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="bold">Home made Crumpets</span><br /><br /><span class="italic"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Makes about 15 small or 7 large</span><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">2 tsp (7g/1 sachet) dried yeast<br />2 tsp caster sugar<br />1/2 cup (125ml) warm milk<br />1/2 cup (125ml) warm water<br />11/2 cups (225g) plain flour<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />1/2 cup (125ml) water, extra<br />1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda<br />Honey, to serve</p> <ol style="font-family: arial;"><li>Combine the yeast, sugar, milk and water in a medium bowl. Set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 10 minutes, or until foaming.<br /><br /></li><li>Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and add the milk mixture. Stir until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 1 hour or until mixture doubles in size.<br /><br /></li><li>Combine the extra water and bicarbonate of soda in a jug. Use a balloon whisk to whisk the flour mixture until it deflates to the original size. Gradually add the water mixture, whisking well between each addition, until well combined and smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 30 minutes to rest.<br /><br /></li><li>Brush a large non-stick frying pan with oil to grease. Brush 5 egg rings (or the larger crumpet rings) with oil to lightly grease. Place frying pan over medium-low heat. Pour 2 tbs of mixture into the egg rings (or 3-4 tbs of mixture into the crumpet rings) in pan and cook for 5 minutes or until bubbles rise to the surface and base is golden and top is set. Turn and cook for 1 minute or until lightly golden. Transfer to a wire rack. Continue with remaining batter.<br /><br /></li><li>Toast crumpets in the toaster and place on serving plates. Drizzle with honey. Serve immediately.</li></ol><span style="font-family:arial;">Instead of egg rings, I wanted to use crumpet rings (much larger and deeper), but I didn't have any and couldn't wait to get any, so I used one of the very large baked bean cans as my crumpet ring.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">I just took the top off each end with a can opener, washed it well and removed the label, and then oiled it inside, and just cooked my crumpets one at a time. It made 7 large (more like a conventional crumpet size) ones with the above recipe.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXXlc-rx4iaZHHpfxzX4EoRxNeKM_PScrBmqXEPs_I7bDarwP_0uJK3FHmF_8AsrZeY3ACz4WqYLi7iqvzyM9sFMwlWK-eOiQi-r3WOQAaP1F1FE0OWUYwcR843-qU7XNwRhkDQ5h6_I/s1600-h/crumpets+cooking.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXXlc-rx4iaZHHpfxzX4EoRxNeKM_PScrBmqXEPs_I7bDarwP_0uJK3FHmF_8AsrZeY3ACz4WqYLi7iqvzyM9sFMwlWK-eOiQi-r3WOQAaP1F1FE0OWUYwcR843-qU7XNwRhkDQ5h6_I/s400/crumpets+cooking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334491811605919538" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCDYvro5xTqYI5qxSxd0GhALgkoeVPzPh0yxVXCGQquMXRhDneuCJ20ZyPViP2d2rO8IgmsoRl7wu_EfEhpAMVZKz56MIh4F5EP6NycKpIV-Pn1tEaAuzGJlFx1UM9HUnr9LYQK5n438/s1600-h/crumpets+plate.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCDYvro5xTqYI5qxSxd0GhALgkoeVPzPh0yxVXCGQquMXRhDneuCJ20ZyPViP2d2rO8IgmsoRl7wu_EfEhpAMVZKz56MIh4F5EP6NycKpIV-Pn1tEaAuzGJlFx1UM9HUnr9LYQK5n438/s400/crumpets+plate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334491819852288402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8UiV3m8WOxwtQpSw-OMcjr8haXRNzrnjhmp-A1WUv97Oqg677b6_RI-vmOY49shwZp83uJYlAMLOUZD1x5y0GSa90E598b2awynANa76RBhWEkuJPi_BfQpGqS_Ge_cFRY7Jr_c8GN4/s1600-h/crumpets+jacob.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8UiV3m8WOxwtQpSw-OMcjr8haXRNzrnjhmp-A1WUv97Oqg677b6_RI-vmOY49shwZp83uJYlAMLOUZD1x5y0GSa90E598b2awynANa76RBhWEkuJPi_BfQpGqS_Ge_cFRY7Jr_c8GN4/s400/crumpets+jacob.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334491822908714722" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIdRTL1uXDdExWPQa7Gp_QVBCuv6JGWnFVy42awWmk8ojCCQIrgmNLSB8LFqnj74oycXIeybmT5fbhD_wYxh8JAA1qzhWKNUY0FN8-3xcAqs8ujtGHIMb4pEA2ImZzzNPSvWuGot5VZs/s1600-h/crumpets+charlotte.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIdRTL1uXDdExWPQa7Gp_QVBCuv6JGWnFVy42awWmk8ojCCQIrgmNLSB8LFqnj74oycXIeybmT5fbhD_wYxh8JAA1qzhWKNUY0FN8-3xcAqs8ujtGHIMb4pEA2ImZzzNPSvWuGot5VZs/s400/crumpets+charlotte.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334491820389129506" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-25302993634764569592009-05-02T14:41:00.006+08:002009-05-02T20:21:08.515+08:00Ben's First Soccer Game!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoQspgLeb_0MYQ9GGEUAmv9tPNsnLtdJNSPIIrBw4ddTuXrTLqTf5sdr4xjINwgg4QXE3PbETsMDrc53WVJeaXQeyLxB7DNYwQM71jScg1Oi6gOPpUV09C7njdR-1AQ7qS-2yoMUODBo/s1600-h/soccer+smile.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoQspgLeb_0MYQ9GGEUAmv9tPNsnLtdJNSPIIrBw4ddTuXrTLqTf5sdr4xjINwgg4QXE3PbETsMDrc53WVJeaXQeyLxB7DNYwQM71jScg1Oi6gOPpUV09C7njdR-1AQ7qS-2yoMUODBo/s400/soccer+smile.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331117319003875442" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Ben had his first day of soccer today, so I am now officially a soccer mum... heh heh. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I was sure it would be raining, but it was glorious! He had great fun, and the other three kids seemed happy to be watching from the sidelines. At one stage I did turn around to see what had happened to Jacob and Oliver and saw them playing swords with a couple of sticks they had found. What is it with boys and sticks? They were probably the only two sticks on the whole oval!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If the game looks a little confusing, it is because the two teams were wearing almost identical uniforms... Ben in in the team with the green and black tops and the other team had green and white tops. </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo2KRLvcK_smakTiQKDkpiqhoxBkanlO32HK7i09_ICty-Uq0IfOLu6y0S8j83nBqrIbnSW1fgj46SJVQs1Xvrw5ZiA6dQHB7fE_-NOQlGR2sJWuFYmIJnvaJ1LPRaXOvalWPdKkbPus/s1600-h/ben+pose.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo2KRLvcK_smakTiQKDkpiqhoxBkanlO32HK7i09_ICty-Uq0IfOLu6y0S8j83nBqrIbnSW1fgj46SJVQs1Xvrw5ZiA6dQHB7fE_-NOQlGR2sJWuFYmIJnvaJ1LPRaXOvalWPdKkbPus/s400/ben+pose.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331115034678786594" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZoWdG4ltOoQJnkmPV4Qklcrqo4gOJrz2a1NqonKovWMFj-yOpeX-dEYaFTgY74P4W-uGgNnIGjnss2Kit8FL9oqoM6WCz7Bjlk1VYobFQAf2mZJssgYhSlDpb6yJgdqcIkTJT6cTXZw/s1600-h/soccer+tackle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZoWdG4ltOoQJnkmPV4Qklcrqo4gOJrz2a1NqonKovWMFj-yOpeX-dEYaFTgY74P4W-uGgNnIGjnss2Kit8FL9oqoM6WCz7Bjlk1VYobFQAf2mZJssgYhSlDpb6yJgdqcIkTJT6cTXZw/s400/soccer+tackle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331118118312114258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMa_MPkeTX7qEYNL29gWruup6JSwMghYmIKgsspLYKpLWUlxPXcypwoiwQGqyxz7affRaGSMKwxqclXF4UnH-jgv9yKgw1p4kkIBcZRbtxE_Kia-OwoTy9n2-Ab1m6skuYBrQY2ZimSM/s1600-h/soccer+running.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMa_MPkeTX7qEYNL29gWruup6JSwMghYmIKgsspLYKpLWUlxPXcypwoiwQGqyxz7affRaGSMKwxqclXF4UnH-jgv9yKgw1p4kkIBcZRbtxE_Kia-OwoTy9n2-Ab1m6skuYBrQY2ZimSM/s400/soccer+running.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331117314887865842" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCbg1mP7r_z7Se6p1dd-l7eDNhwzQm5pYeKPMOLi0g0Awo2tYI_rlXKWpm-IvfkE4In7fzco6JnhVXGcmIDDlU02BlHs_6fFjhwSS63K-T3QW57xNNcMkGwJV_XyctyOBOUaaFAUy5E8/s1600-h/soccer+boys+sticks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCbg1mP7r_z7Se6p1dd-l7eDNhwzQm5pYeKPMOLi0g0Awo2tYI_rlXKWpm-IvfkE4In7fzco6JnhVXGcmIDDlU02BlHs_6fFjhwSS63K-T3QW57xNNcMkGwJV_XyctyOBOUaaFAUy5E8/s400/soccer+boys+sticks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331117310228699234" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbVAlGDcXLik5twtMWh3jfgcx25Tdaw-Zv0_BPrc3OllYUQo1i40B71Fy3xvAaSqOMemNeBaUIo5mB_NHDqgHYCPuEwfvX1bCKcMiCZwe4K-tiaRjCCxCrzOuprIaXhqab-OdGMEH6wA/s1600-h/soccer+ben.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbVAlGDcXLik5twtMWh3jfgcx25Tdaw-Zv0_BPrc3OllYUQo1i40B71Fy3xvAaSqOMemNeBaUIo5mB_NHDqgHYCPuEwfvX1bCKcMiCZwe4K-tiaRjCCxCrzOuprIaXhqab-OdGMEH6wA/s400/soccer+ben.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331117307461270386" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OqNYAw-JXuuq9RN30zW_2JkZymEisCaiXMMDMDiVpHamPMAPzoxn1gAhJvomIELT0QwEk1QHpcqOBMHzJsko7H1avgyYmRjWTAJsiBJHdsQh4PI8EresowVi3dKGdoqSHSbXWAkY7Pw/s1600-h/ben+waiting.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OqNYAw-JXuuq9RN30zW_2JkZymEisCaiXMMDMDiVpHamPMAPzoxn1gAhJvomIELT0QwEk1QHpcqOBMHzJsko7H1avgyYmRjWTAJsiBJHdsQh4PI8EresowVi3dKGdoqSHSbXWAkY7Pw/s400/ben+waiting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331115036175260242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0c5CS2RHBKAExpDeGx99o_hUWf78vWVgg81T9loiQ6dF-jVaCqjPPulGPsynwqqER4bT2X8-eQnAP9avUgoChBt02nfVhZZ6ym97h8VekF4pbeBQyXsiAt5XnjSJN0rjxezTYkwRcEA/s1600-h/soccer+huddle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0c5CS2RHBKAExpDeGx99o_hUWf78vWVgg81T9loiQ6dF-jVaCqjPPulGPsynwqqER4bT2X8-eQnAP9avUgoChBt02nfVhZZ6ym97h8VekF4pbeBQyXsiAt5XnjSJN0rjxezTYkwRcEA/s400/soccer+huddle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331117315263391858" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoQspgLeb_0MYQ9GGEUAmv9tPNsnLtdJNSPIIrBw4ddTuXrTLqTf5sdr4xjINwgg4QXE3PbETsMDrc53WVJeaXQeyLxB7DNYwQM71jScg1Oi6gOPpUV09C7njdR-1AQ7qS-2yoMUODBo/s1600-h/soccer+smile.jpg"><br /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-33840631682564240672009-04-28T20:51:00.002+08:002009-04-28T21:02:46.325+08:00Picnic on the back lawn<span style="font-family: arial;">For afternoon snack today, I gave the kids their snacks cut up on a plate with a picnic rug, and they had great fun in the sunshine.<br /><br />Why does food always taste so much better when eaten outdoors? <br /><br />They all love having apple with their cheese, which I think is a very normal thing to do, but some people seem to think is quite strange.</span><br /><br /> <br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oNjAu1ugvdRYDnR4zTdqdBESwTrKMPUzIyCAaMj8vAKs0LreItoHm3wBSpkSMX2rpIsoOaW24L-xH0M_hKSg2k_8DoFF5glBQSSzo7dHwhMDLWOThg7HUCF_HnQClJQfJr0nY_FknsQ/s1600-h/picnic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oNjAu1ugvdRYDnR4zTdqdBESwTrKMPUzIyCAaMj8vAKs0LreItoHm3wBSpkSMX2rpIsoOaW24L-xH0M_hKSg2k_8DoFF5glBQSSzo7dHwhMDLWOThg7HUCF_HnQClJQfJr0nY_FknsQ/s400/picnic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329725145356470274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzH7gX_vnkVY7Zfi2kwOSl3I9DHkqVYVJEpHpJSpLcfALVfpn92QVgXQucqJZn_Cdf5MnxI_JYZOltBsgPutxnhU_KYY4Z8nkp1vCh3Rp1Q7l-egoyPIXrJOrKA-KBKoCxnpaVQPCKUs/s1600-h/picnic+food.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzH7gX_vnkVY7Zfi2kwOSl3I9DHkqVYVJEpHpJSpLcfALVfpn92QVgXQucqJZn_Cdf5MnxI_JYZOltBsgPutxnhU_KYY4Z8nkp1vCh3Rp1Q7l-egoyPIXrJOrKA-KBKoCxnpaVQPCKUs/s400/picnic+food.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329725149201736146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQabrY-tjJj0b4HcaVdgzIvxehF1CjLp4bM1eX11cQeJNatguL-LxEWV25e6lS7ItAV0zNxPJrZLQq1zmV8JusEV2kLayBJMbDK3C29SaEYGmhMJUJKiZjjwKkCKqGIBdHA-kOwuQrRc/s1600-h/picnic+kids.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQabrY-tjJj0b4HcaVdgzIvxehF1CjLp4bM1eX11cQeJNatguL-LxEWV25e6lS7ItAV0zNxPJrZLQq1zmV8JusEV2kLayBJMbDK3C29SaEYGmhMJUJKiZjjwKkCKqGIBdHA-kOwuQrRc/s400/picnic+kids.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329725146872747058" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-9690700256478683042009-04-23T19:55:00.004+08:002009-04-23T21:04:01.605+08:005 minute chocolate cake in a mug<span style="font-family:arial;">Ok, I have been reading about this a bit lately on various blogs, etc...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I made it today with the kiddies, and to my amazement... it worked!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I do actually have an aversion to microwaves, having been told by mum when I was little that they were evil... heh heh, but I decided to put my squeamishness aside for the sake of some chocolate cake in a hurry, and gave it a try.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />We used the recipe from this article:</span> <a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25160444-5013511,00.html" target="_blank">Five-minute chocolate cake in a mug a sensation | The Courier-Mail</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" align="center"><b>Five Minute Chocolate Cake in a Mug</b><br /><br />2 large wide mugs<br />4 tbs plain flour<br />4 tbs sugar<br />2 tbs cocoa<br />1 egg<br />3 tbs milk<br />3 tbs oil<br />3 tbs chocolate chips (optional)<br />Small splash of vanilla extract<br /><br />Add dry ingredients to one mug and mix well. In a separate mug, beat the egg, pour in the milk, oil and mix well. Stir into the powdered ingredients. Add chocolate chips (if using), vanilla extract and mix again. Put cake mix mug in the microwave for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.<br /><br />The cake may rise to the top of the mug. Allow to cool a little before eating or tip out onto a plate if desired.<br /><br /></div> <span style="font-family:arial;"> We did not add the choc chips, and we ate it all straight away while it was warm! Yum, yum! It would definitely be great eaten warm with cream or vanilla icecream, like a chocolate pudding, but we didn't have any, so had to make do without.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> I don't think it would be good to eat cold, so make sure you gobble it all up warm!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> I totally expected it to be a dismal failure after reading the comments on this hilarious, dodgy site!! </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=2903255" target="_blank">Chocolate cake. In a mug. In 5 minutes. Someone please test this. - The Something Awful Forums</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Seriously, I was almost rolling around on the floor reading it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Oh, I and we only made one batch to share between the 5 of us (the 4 kids and I)! Next time I will seriously make it when the kids are in bed and I only have to share it with Michael... mwah hah hah</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />As an aside, I was interested to note that this recipe had no rising agent (it uses plain flour) and I did wonder if it would truly work, but it is the steam that acts as the rising agent, and it works very well too.<br /><br />At one point our cake was so high above the top of the mug that we all though it was about to explode! You could probably do it for a shorter cooking time (maybe try 2 1/2 mins).<br /><br /></span><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0EzSA0UJRLbg8tT_Ybd5tJbNiOcexVbvkmzXIJVQAI_LY07MLOgWPGEir9dZVLprhq-y8L9QDOk9lfYp3XgCvkkS1t_TpwyBnjrMrnG-qZ3OcUjQ9RnjAP-n1OivR46MyjtQY1i4U9w/s1600-h/cake+ingredients.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0EzSA0UJRLbg8tT_Ybd5tJbNiOcexVbvkmzXIJVQAI_LY07MLOgWPGEir9dZVLprhq-y8L9QDOk9lfYp3XgCvkkS1t_TpwyBnjrMrnG-qZ3OcUjQ9RnjAP-n1OivR46MyjtQY1i4U9w/s400/cake+ingredients.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327867646744851522" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Stiring...</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLQAojiFicE3SKbvvKLuRQrlJ6qiG7n9KE6udJVH6oxHpYY5Ofc1CyL6MwwDTDTWwwfyKQxbSGQdfdVddw4VI4-sOOUph9EWmmQmwUbdnkPtAixqMhJuyhvtwk5u9KZwiAXPWCgdz5BE/s1600-h/cake+charlotte.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLQAojiFicE3SKbvvKLuRQrlJ6qiG7n9KE6udJVH6oxHpYY5Ofc1CyL6MwwDTDTWwwfyKQxbSGQdfdVddw4VI4-sOOUph9EWmmQmwUbdnkPtAixqMhJuyhvtwk5u9KZwiAXPWCgdz5BE/s400/cake+charlotte.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327867651955991602" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Watching it grow in the microwave!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZ1brTgDqxUf_JMi0vMWjcvzliDnfRz6r3GVtSJtMcJniwdgD7ZqooBjGl9sdYIW28gdXm-VNYxZ0rL5ZF3TVM4QB_r5haDZ5t_BQeo7ltu9JrJkhBt24p2vbzvFaAL9MGPABWDVCRus/s1600-h/cake+microwave.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZ1brTgDqxUf_JMi0vMWjcvzliDnfRz6r3GVtSJtMcJniwdgD7ZqooBjGl9sdYIW28gdXm-VNYxZ0rL5ZF3TVM4QB_r5haDZ5t_BQeo7ltu9JrJkhBt24p2vbzvFaAL9MGPABWDVCRus/s400/cake+microwave.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327867655248043986" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Waiting for it to cool...</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEWNO1eSNoLJ3WlZElK_KjVMKrRVNDjOj11PusDax9ky78AdZKqEiXFGdsT0eA_mxAIMSPpD_a_4LXgPVREKzUsFUQvwZKnTwD_90_aHc5Na1YnQOM-gkyk61vx2yQhfqhcJ-BvkOEt4/s1600-h/cake+waiting+cool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEWNO1eSNoLJ3WlZElK_KjVMKrRVNDjOj11PusDax9ky78AdZKqEiXFGdsT0eA_mxAIMSPpD_a_4LXgPVREKzUsFUQvwZKnTwD_90_aHc5Na1YnQOM-gkyk61vx2yQhfqhcJ-BvkOEt4/s400/cake+waiting+cool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327870215815162130" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzb-j-RntmtrFM3LBnapWLKXpoaRn_UmhMi0Lz3G3mkPkEVYPC0FPh8oQIBnxmbqcnx6SZE9DNWOU6SH616a92l8nqPV1YQqBaW4Nu79GhLxQSJieY4-8ylGM02SLFdwfOJOZmeWvyIwc/s1600-h/cake+cooling.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzb-j-RntmtrFM3LBnapWLKXpoaRn_UmhMi0Lz3G3mkPkEVYPC0FPh8oQIBnxmbqcnx6SZE9DNWOU6SH616a92l8nqPV1YQqBaW4Nu79GhLxQSJieY4-8ylGM02SLFdwfOJOZmeWvyIwc/s400/cake+cooling.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327870204139037346" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2vDMF-WW9ubOsXHeL1oxUTWKC-keG0vvrDm0ViG1eaRmEJfqy2VfzJqxyGopOMxWjiJDz6I27GW9faf44T5K71ZcAhnAI5rtjJdkYoFL_AGtLZ5WuTfy2KVcxP6CKAR69tAfnxfGIfM/s1600-h/cake+waiting.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2vDMF-WW9ubOsXHeL1oxUTWKC-keG0vvrDm0ViG1eaRmEJfqy2VfzJqxyGopOMxWjiJDz6I27GW9faf44T5K71ZcAhnAI5rtjJdkYoFL_AGtLZ5WuTfy2KVcxP6CKAR69tAfnxfGIfM/s400/cake+waiting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327870208809382546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Yay! It's ready to eat!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyaktzLhEMWYRSEBP483g7Zm827YrTKY36zRmayKrLeVghu4L6QG7qAym0BKzqfimCZ05BqxtiUJ3dA3VQbIhIf4x3fy5dTIyW-IbMzNt-RyE-V10ilwLr8_-6jk9I_4vQUXAwwgpM7U/s1600-h/cake+ready.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyaktzLhEMWYRSEBP483g7Zm827YrTKY36zRmayKrLeVghu4L6QG7qAym0BKzqfimCZ05BqxtiUJ3dA3VQbIhIf4x3fy5dTIyW-IbMzNt-RyE-V10ilwLr8_-6jk9I_4vQUXAwwgpM7U/s400/cake+ready.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327870205949183042" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-75986544447632678092009-04-20T13:48:00.005+08:002009-04-21T21:21:10.547+08:00Fun in the grass<span style="font-family:arial;">I took the kids for a little walk down the road with a bag of snacks so I could take a few fun photos. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">They had apples to munch on and feijoas to eat out with a teaspoon, and some sweet treats! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">They also brought a toy rubber snake and had fun flinging it far away and then playing "Hunt the snake". Luckily they didn't come across any real live snakes! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This is just a vacant lot between two new houses about 1 min walk from our house. The property in the background belongs to friends of ours, and in lambing season, we can hear the lambs baaing from our house. Pretty fun for a house in the suburbs!</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6YXnZSfgQg0df4juvBIKPz0c9bIhSYYb0BzNpCrPZul5LOOk-mssPQx3ucejwQnYy_ubVrM7HniMqtjCidIl6v4SNKrZOJWf-xsAuVT0TzR1ObP9fxq1QcO1bPEsvQD-j2iYvyIwtBc/s1600-h/small+family+photoshop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6YXnZSfgQg0df4juvBIKPz0c9bIhSYYb0BzNpCrPZul5LOOk-mssPQx3ucejwQnYy_ubVrM7HniMqtjCidIl6v4SNKrZOJWf-xsAuVT0TzR1ObP9fxq1QcO1bPEsvQD-j2iYvyIwtBc/s400/small+family+photoshop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327132379152111186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoh-0fqo2QQ8avW5tVzW1jqm2dtyj6mlouX63UgvYuvNZ2NbkzmioGP-nDAIvtA4VODXAhDd17GSoUA01ZOmNN71G2xaB-xkVA80ywNI3U-uoR-wB4nFYi4W7SMLHrk4emjYgWFnFMplU/s1600-h/small+jacob+photoshop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoh-0fqo2QQ8avW5tVzW1jqm2dtyj6mlouX63UgvYuvNZ2NbkzmioGP-nDAIvtA4VODXAhDd17GSoUA01ZOmNN71G2xaB-xkVA80ywNI3U-uoR-wB4nFYi4W7SMLHrk4emjYgWFnFMplU/s400/small+jacob+photoshop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327132373492303234" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZpkNwO3nJxQlYQBgMMZ-fzoMJizdCS0OOf-LYRnWV6V-9awPHYOPmJl7Fl3JTbxUDyh4yjdybZxpR-Ew-W0nmdLA1hI1zb8Xxu_JnNUL0au4wa0xbvjRGYHw5CBrWSyhh5fRd7pj31U/s1600-h/small+jacob+photoshop+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZpkNwO3nJxQlYQBgMMZ-fzoMJizdCS0OOf-LYRnWV6V-9awPHYOPmJl7Fl3JTbxUDyh4yjdybZxpR-Ew-W0nmdLA1hI1zb8Xxu_JnNUL0au4wa0xbvjRGYHw5CBrWSyhh5fRd7pj31U/s400/small+jacob+photoshop+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327132373625559714" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6w35UyTLaMCexxbTebibFPika2Up63XG8iH7uiN6k9UpH4CXtZc10NbdxpsXSwkTKvgqo9XvaTzAx8Zh_pEMtzoNMp1ujvAXY2xsVlue7jgogiZ1PRupI2dMwjgZzoYOoQELkAbw0Mg/s1600-h/small+oliver+photoshop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6w35UyTLaMCexxbTebibFPika2Up63XG8iH7uiN6k9UpH4CXtZc10NbdxpsXSwkTKvgqo9XvaTzAx8Zh_pEMtzoNMp1ujvAXY2xsVlue7jgogiZ1PRupI2dMwjgZzoYOoQELkAbw0Mg/s400/small+oliver+photoshop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327132368040335794" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmjb2OnxrkUTbyhkVQqZHL3s3LTxsBS8tEYe2K1V3j7v2wYBuusdqhRXxyqTzzQ6h3PWf-NyDuuOM5Khp-Iax15DLkcqvHCD-Fg7wSkxoXB8vcCKnhgxiqRK9GMkLSqc7fkxGPcZwHpA/s1600-h/small+charlotte+feijoa+photoshop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmjb2OnxrkUTbyhkVQqZHL3s3LTxsBS8tEYe2K1V3j7v2wYBuusdqhRXxyqTzzQ6h3PWf-NyDuuOM5Khp-Iax15DLkcqvHCD-Fg7wSkxoXB8vcCKnhgxiqRK9GMkLSqc7fkxGPcZwHpA/s400/small+charlotte+feijoa+photoshop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327131097720397634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLHeH_iBTx7kEzSlpuMaAbtObG1fMprFJ_sZCKEGCdfK4prQ4meHg2yHoRbP7i_geMc-S3jvGTRuG0krsVQgP-TLqQmrw9gavPh03yTdO_OLy_pXHXG0VYoYI41UYkp2ai1brCwf5GR4/s1600-h/small+ben+photoshop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLHeH_iBTx7kEzSlpuMaAbtObG1fMprFJ_sZCKEGCdfK4prQ4meHg2yHoRbP7i_geMc-S3jvGTRuG0krsVQgP-TLqQmrw9gavPh03yTdO_OLy_pXHXG0VYoYI41UYkp2ai1brCwf5GR4/s400/small+ben+photoshop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327131089948388706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD60wQnBgplqK2bC56TOwkB7btjVMN6pUV9yttozdf9G3xCReTtjzDr9fFi5UHmlNrvxt6YEKMtyyKP9NvumAxIPsKS0F2fllLKMfrhIgQMs95yClHLkOy9bv9NMsyZrvoM8Zx3DokYFE/s1600-h/small+charlotte+apple+photoshop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD60wQnBgplqK2bC56TOwkB7btjVMN6pUV9yttozdf9G3xCReTtjzDr9fFi5UHmlNrvxt6YEKMtyyKP9NvumAxIPsKS0F2fllLKMfrhIgQMs95yClHLkOy9bv9NMsyZrvoM8Zx3DokYFE/s400/small+charlotte+apple+photoshop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327131093182778338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtV2zDTU7ctdPDbGvnQ1e92GevLd_FSMl4rwH25M-5jAyGejh4Me0MYIha8szxDCpg5JPh8qeyrmbtjpVf_JuBaM7HrWAmVM3Mc4WlA6TF6jAhyphenhyphenY9U_T0i5nH-o9ew35lB5ALge7_Ahw/s1600-h/small+benny+boy+photoshop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtV2zDTU7ctdPDbGvnQ1e92GevLd_FSMl4rwH25M-5jAyGejh4Me0MYIha8szxDCpg5JPh8qeyrmbtjpVf_JuBaM7HrWAmVM3Mc4WlA6TF6jAhyphenhyphenY9U_T0i5nH-o9ew35lB5ALge7_Ahw/s400/small+benny+boy+photoshop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327131090386922066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNggTz0ufVfgyOQ8p3RfeivsCUsFQEqmYE_1GH2nFCDAlthn_NETOqaYodWaDaezGg_8KXjy76KlNdltFF0ybv7j9zO-37d5ONKLgCugmKxFMI0TZ9TR8uF590wD4VjNQvWM_enbsLwk/s1600-h/small+charlotte+photoshop+v2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNggTz0ufVfgyOQ8p3RfeivsCUsFQEqmYE_1GH2nFCDAlthn_NETOqaYodWaDaezGg_8KXjy76KlNdltFF0ybv7j9zO-37d5ONKLgCugmKxFMI0TZ9TR8uF590wD4VjNQvWM_enbsLwk/s400/small+charlotte+photoshop+v2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327131098076913986" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-62016456064876606062009-04-15T19:30:00.009+08:002009-04-15T21:39:11.662+08:00Fish and Chips at Mids<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jH5VdAmOj5gWeub_Y-Q4tCV-QzTNLfHBhptX7MKqd6tIdn8JRvdBHT4hGg3KorsoW2wLvCChreKfOeQC8cuP60oy0CJ-bdKePDNXlisa6W9_gIIxr6CddPbtsj8IRnCk2vhSALPZkpQ/s1600-h/mids+scene.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jH5VdAmOj5gWeub_Y-Q4tCV-QzTNLfHBhptX7MKqd6tIdn8JRvdBHT4hGg3KorsoW2wLvCChreKfOeQC8cuP60oy0CJ-bdKePDNXlisa6W9_gIIxr6CddPbtsj8IRnCk2vhSALPZkpQ/s400/mids+scene.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324891734592808978" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We went down to Middleton Beach for a play and some dinner one night last week. It was a perfect evening and we all had a lovely time. The kids played on the beach and playground, and then we got fish and chips to eat while watching the moon rise.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGdbvc0gQA1UxpPN87qhp8WY8V5rzGVPUdhWno2sbRIedI2BlVKBAJh3m8uju1wzHEmBGRw1DZo3Lm5PzJx9Q4asKOzU0Zq7pRhRyCGG8TrheuHU11UVHWQ3Mo5lRZI13DYEzg3HdUWs/s1600-h/mids+charlotte.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGdbvc0gQA1UxpPN87qhp8WY8V5rzGVPUdhWno2sbRIedI2BlVKBAJh3m8uju1wzHEmBGRw1DZo3Lm5PzJx9Q4asKOzU0Zq7pRhRyCGG8TrheuHU11UVHWQ3Mo5lRZI13DYEzg3HdUWs/s400/mids+charlotte.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324896723078138034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijghxtV1ceuEd0FTy581DrTTca4sIYqtVInhFnxlonGkRq6vZPRQXwaCErBuEkdEfpxZFp68zJtxNZmo_rhD_C7UpeU14rpfX6V1sWVZXrWRLEA4JQqHceoTQXGgb9gLwqQ1B5naTQ4Wc/s1600-h/mids+jetty.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijghxtV1ceuEd0FTy581DrTTca4sIYqtVInhFnxlonGkRq6vZPRQXwaCErBuEkdEfpxZFp68zJtxNZmo_rhD_C7UpeU14rpfX6V1sWVZXrWRLEA4JQqHceoTQXGgb9gLwqQ1B5naTQ4Wc/s400/mids+jetty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324905531676279314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARt9pLbyx1Ty-vbC1QvwKbHuMbVivgJjAZSkdLgCaHqvLU47AXKWkxvFEw0GAR3Tq8RBhFjxmBWDcGHSKgw4LWgUyxYGW4aNhiwV3MQRV_HJqbKgj0D6KvGtqON0kYVuGzRpUa37AEpQ/s1600-h/mids+fam.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARt9pLbyx1Ty-vbC1QvwKbHuMbVivgJjAZSkdLgCaHqvLU47AXKWkxvFEw0GAR3Tq8RBhFjxmBWDcGHSKgw4LWgUyxYGW4aNhiwV3MQRV_HJqbKgj0D6KvGtqON0kYVuGzRpUa37AEpQ/s400/mids+fam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324903134646694434" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMkSxwpcAe9AUom4-tMNWE3OufmDmwCE45eQk9UP8Z5-8dfFqm7495BTZzLWBqkpLTsGBpngbOCZe3VayQt0QBxDCUXwWYwMxbp9MeCHwr6PRoa78en2vA14H2C4ysVSCa3OBIeiBYFw/s1600-h/mids+kids.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMkSxwpcAe9AUom4-tMNWE3OufmDmwCE45eQk9UP8Z5-8dfFqm7495BTZzLWBqkpLTsGBpngbOCZe3VayQt0QBxDCUXwWYwMxbp9MeCHwr6PRoa78en2vA14H2C4ysVSCa3OBIeiBYFw/s400/mids+kids.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324900666681914034" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-2795964230886252232009-04-14T23:40:00.002+08:002009-04-14T23:45:11.197+08:00Bright Easter Cupcakes<span style="font-family: arial;">Just thought I'd add a quick photo of the brighter Easter cupcakes that the kids made yesterday, seeing as they definitely seem to prefer these ones. They loved doing all kinds of weird colour combinations!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-u3W9PYCb25kaI_GGaZ0Jh2OF1oKwPKyu0n18C5QNTgGXW6R5lDmBXYSefm1xvHu1WEBmQEy_nigjQNSyAm-AflIWzbYoU4-jsoQhkaT6-3NLDly_EH-DQZtnGeMVynfVudUeyIPyro/s1600-h/cupcakes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-u3W9PYCb25kaI_GGaZ0Jh2OF1oKwPKyu0n18C5QNTgGXW6R5lDmBXYSefm1xvHu1WEBmQEy_nigjQNSyAm-AflIWzbYoU4-jsoQhkaT6-3NLDly_EH-DQZtnGeMVynfVudUeyIPyro/s400/cupcakes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324572908153912402" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-89832181614857003502009-04-14T23:18:00.004+08:002009-04-14T23:38:24.576+08:00Little Doll<span style="font-family:arial;">Alice and Paul came over today with Matilda and we had a lovely lunch and then went out to our block for some yummy cupcakes and a play on the ropeswing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Paul put Matilda in our little doll's pram and she was so cute. The kids thought she made a very fun little doll<span style="font-family: arial;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> I can't believe how quickly she is growing!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLccbD4TNGETP0Zl8IA2FuKCrSUNz8IIv1F61oPLhdO-C4woM9RkBzEUwBGhPAsC4kfi_oNLRqnKNj6u5iFQ-ZrOPz5B-U7fbIwKMS638BITsesNQzwvTt6ft8qDGIfKyKebvUd1CmbAY/s1600-h/matilda+pram+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLccbD4TNGETP0Zl8IA2FuKCrSUNz8IIv1F61oPLhdO-C4woM9RkBzEUwBGhPAsC4kfi_oNLRqnKNj6u5iFQ-ZrOPz5B-U7fbIwKMS638BITsesNQzwvTt6ft8qDGIfKyKebvUd1CmbAY/s400/matilda+pram+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324570398597549346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZaibx5iDJKMwwBq8et7-vlwhnxsbfewhpUTiZK0aHkoRKz8joADwGoRUkTtHvJ3zO0HsbEa-SWv_Kn5YGKFZYO4FOG-X4Jv7qwaejOOPERkoGdtWhQJ2uH4pO-0uDt6LKfNOdXSp3p8/s1600-h/matilda+pram+kids.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZaibx5iDJKMwwBq8et7-vlwhnxsbfewhpUTiZK0aHkoRKz8joADwGoRUkTtHvJ3zO0HsbEa-SWv_Kn5YGKFZYO4FOG-X4Jv7qwaejOOPERkoGdtWhQJ2uH4pO-0uDt6LKfNOdXSp3p8/s400/matilda+pram+kids.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324570398869383138" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799830385852704003.post-76453429892381023452009-04-14T22:46:00.003+08:002009-04-14T23:04:57.546+08:00Frenchmans Bay<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsFvy4DxVhcf6XwZ5t7YJyhuQ-adRbRYIPbImMqm5n_hTBCYsjoM0QagOhJiHyBnuKEiXhavbNG5GA0R5SRNs7y-REyb_f8gfZqMte2SXxSK6Ofm4V6F6Nv7xbrd-CLUth7xrpYr4-wE/s1600-h/frenchmans+bay+scene.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsFvy4DxVhcf6XwZ5t7YJyhuQ-adRbRYIPbImMqm5n_hTBCYsjoM0QagOhJiHyBnuKEiXhavbNG5GA0R5SRNs7y-REyb_f8gfZqMte2SXxSK6Ofm4V6F6Nv7xbrd-CLUth7xrpYr4-wE/s400/frenchmans+bay+scene.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324561341368655186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">We spent most of the day yesterday at Frenchmans Bay... one of our favourite local beaches.<br /><br />We took a BBQ lunch to share with our friends, and all ate far too much (well I did anyway)! The kids had fun climbing on the rocks, digging in the sand, swimming and climbing trees.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfg6ICEHbajtGqeB43L7EJlLOZgZrUprDx_CqnDYEHkIDhppFd2e_umniU-HeWQyyy9x-apLyTeJYC4Pce9j4wkNS5OsPEbYvaINUXxaHdjqkMDg8suXQ15Lgscn5OnyjioJAGwJD_BG4/s1600-h/frenchmans+bay+rocks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfg6ICEHbajtGqeB43L7EJlLOZgZrUprDx_CqnDYEHkIDhppFd2e_umniU-HeWQyyy9x-apLyTeJYC4Pce9j4wkNS5OsPEbYvaINUXxaHdjqkMDg8suXQ15Lgscn5OnyjioJAGwJD_BG4/s400/frenchmans+bay+rocks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324560302158459794" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyXN9ofLBab-Zyh98biKdF4NAnbsF_OmrZVrm2s2Inio2zxnhzuMm_AHUO7MIuCa_YcgILaVWXo69IAYlWcTLDKUWhezr-DEJN1JT6fViIJEHpptro6UvsfskbeHPHCoADab8LH-V6Gc/s1600-h/frenchmans+bay+ring+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyXN9ofLBab-Zyh98biKdF4NAnbsF_OmrZVrm2s2Inio2zxnhzuMm_AHUO7MIuCa_YcgILaVWXo69IAYlWcTLDKUWhezr-DEJN1JT6fViIJEHpptro6UvsfskbeHPHCoADab8LH-V6Gc/s400/frenchmans+bay+ring+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324560303377849922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqe09U1j9S4Avd9PZ79CbdGSVsEWQ2KxBL1fFTVLOnBdiLPNQ8KvxsEsZoxn1-cmE7XKf6hN-ZPloYGy8p2Hp2hIuYt3yV1UgcnZzBPKFcHHS5kiyQrY5bffYztB5EwemtC4SXdzU0dI/s1600-h/frenchmans+bay+jacob.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqe09U1j9S4Avd9PZ79CbdGSVsEWQ2KxBL1fFTVLOnBdiLPNQ8KvxsEsZoxn1-cmE7XKf6hN-ZPloYGy8p2Hp2hIuYt3yV1UgcnZzBPKFcHHS5kiyQrY5bffYztB5EwemtC4SXdzU0dI/s400/frenchmans+bay+jacob.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324560299451993570" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5d9V3nyAYhR20xeOYX0bdomKVXzXgFT_lm2205viqL4vQWRSSbU2cx8WiTSM2utePoyJEdLAdAmX6EfAHMKfPkq7ZkhQ2eOjd_AQsss4WUkjF6iQiDHuOaZJVUudZ-h_O7DSG6FiMA0o/s1600-h/frenchmans+bay+beach.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5d9V3nyAYhR20xeOYX0bdomKVXzXgFT_lm2205viqL4vQWRSSbU2cx8WiTSM2utePoyJEdLAdAmX6EfAHMKfPkq7ZkhQ2eOjd_AQsss4WUkjF6iQiDHuOaZJVUudZ-h_O7DSG6FiMA0o/s400/frenchmans+bay+beach.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324560290600663378" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCX7M-TfK3Zd83zxgXADuf4Ujf2RLT3ycw5GwVdvDgR6QAc6UkqNbMV9quR6yAI3tZ1G74fgefmcl7h49mLphwCXS4A8DSaAT1d0YBJF86jEMarfl5vPUUApJv9qsOmf4d_9dKBQp6dtc/s1600-h/frenchmans+bay+ring.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCX7M-TfK3Zd83zxgXADuf4Ujf2RLT3ycw5GwVdvDgR6QAc6UkqNbMV9quR6yAI3tZ1G74fgefmcl7h49mLphwCXS4A8DSaAT1d0YBJF86jEMarfl5vPUUApJv9qsOmf4d_9dKBQp6dtc/s400/frenchmans+bay+ring.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324560299140315922" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06404247098958587687noreply@blogger.com1