A Train Trip

The day dawned bright, clear and crisp, so Boo, Courtney and I decided to take a train trip to Treat Village.
It turned out that Courtney had never been on the train before, so there was a special kind of excitement in the air as the children waited on a bench at Toytown station .


They watched the shining tracks expectantly, waiting for the train to appear.

The trip is just the right length, with three tunnels and one station for the children to enjoy, and exquisite views of the green countryside and spectacular rocky coastline.

The first stop in Treat Village was the bakery, where both chose the stickiest, most sugar-laden confection on display.

Then eight rides on the 20c red car ride (every mother of small children within a 20km radius of Treat Village knows about this bargain), lunch at a table in the park, and a meandering walk back to the station.

Every tree on the path became a hiding place, and every pole was a chance to delightedly chase eachother round-and-about ...

... which means we rushed onto the platform just as the train arrived.

Next time we'll stay for the whole day.

Anzac Slice

Double, triple -- or even quadruple, as I did this evening -- this recipe, for acres of sticky, chewy slice with minimum effort.

1 c rolled oats
1 c plain flour (I used half plain and half wholemeal, simply because I'd run out of plain)
1 c brown sugar
1/2 c coconut
125g butter, melted
2 T golden syrup
2 T hot water
1/2 t bicarb soda

1. Preheat oven to 160C. Roughly line a 30cm x 20cm baking tin with baking paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients.
3. Dissolve bicarb in water and pour into melted butter.
4. Combine all ingredient. Mix into a dough, then use your hands to press out into the tin.
5. Bake about 30 mins, until golden. Slice into squares while still warm.

Courtney

This delightfully cheeky little tomboy is Boo's best friend.

Luckily for us, Courtney lives just up the road. She's a self-confident, sassy little miss, who

is very bright, and extremely good at adapting and analysing -- both people and puzzles!

Courtney certainly isn't a girly girl: her heroes are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Bob the Builder and the Wiggles. Which means she and Boo have plenty in common.

The two children are very sweet together, and although there is the occasional tiff, they look out for eachother and are very caring. Occasionally I'll catch them sharing a hug, or eavesdrop on a conversation that goes a little like this:

"I love you Boo."

"Oh, yes, I love you too, Courtney!"

Going Home

Each evening, long lines of cows slowly wend their way along the worn tracks to be milked at one of the many dairies in the Valley ...
... and later wander home again to the green fields, to graze contentedly in the darkening twilight.

Pumpkin Soup Made Easy

ALDI was selling Kent pumpkins on special this week, and I bought this entire beauty for 89c. So I figured that a vat of pumpkin soup was in order.
I make my pumpkin soup the easy way:

1. Using a sharp knife, stab several holes in the pumpkin. Put the whole thing on a microwave-safe plate, pop in the microwave, and cook for about 35 mins on high. (Neither your microwave nor the pumpkin will explode. Trust me.)
2. Wait a few hours for the pumpkin to cool, then slice it around the middle, lift of the top, and scoop out the seeds (our chickens love these).
3. Finely slice a few onions, place them in a large saucepan and soften over low heat. Throw in a few spoonfuls of crushed garlic (I use a jar of ready-crushed), cook for another minute, then add a cup or so of chicken stock.
4. Scoop out the pumpkin flesh and add to the pot. Let it bubble away for 10 mins or so, just to infuse the flavours, then take off the heat and add about a cup of milk powder.
5. Whizz until smooth with a handheld blender.

I plan to eat soup with crusty bread for lunch, and will still have plenty to freeze ready for the cold autumn days ahead.

Homemade Hammock

A strange, pendulous fruit appeared on one of our she-oaks this afternoon ...

... it seemed ripe, and ready to burst open ...

... until inside the swelling floral cotton skin I could see the sweetest small boy imaginable, entranced by the blue sky and the swishing sea of leaves above ...

... and delighted to be rocked by the breeze in a secret place of air and light.

I do wish babies would just appear in giant seedpods like this ... I'd pick several with glee and take them home with me!

David Austen Roses

Not long ago, a friend and her family bought a house high on a hill in Seaside Village. In the garden, which has spectacular views of the valleys spread out below it, are 200 mature rose bushes.
Each time I visit I take along my secateurs, and spend a blissful half-hour wandering along little paths, while the other guests look at me perplexedly.
In every overgrown corner are hidden beauties of every type and colour imaginable: sunny yellow dog roses, varigated pink-and-white Double Delights, vivid apricot climber and pendulous white tea roses.
Of them all, these David Austens are my favourite. Delicate, pink as a shell, and richly scented, they filled my senses for three happy days, before fading and shedding their petals on the dining room table.

Cordelia Gwyneth

Cordy is my only niece, and the youngest of Boo's cousins. She's a soft, pink-and-white darling, who is utterly delighted by anything cute or girly.

While the boys are wrestling on the sofa, Cordy will sit quietly absorbed in her dollies and teaset, smiling benignly across at the racous crowd and ignoring the screaming and shouting.

Although, if necessary, she has a good set of lungs herself!

My Birthday

It's my birthday -- 35 today, and perfectly pleased to be just where I am!

Cordy, Rory, Aunty Margaret, Boo and Jumps all sat on the end of my bed this morning and handed over cards and flowers, then I had three cups of tea and breakfast in bed.

A scrumptious chocolate cake made by my sister-in-law was devoured for morning tea, and my nephews and parents joined in singing "Happy Birthday". Then a plethora of pretty presents to open: a bottle of Baileys from my nephews, Cath Kidston stickers and tissues, and a rosey-posey knee quilt from Mum and Dad, flowers and ... a fast NEW COMPUTER from Jumps and Boo. Lucky girl!

Cousins Come to Stay

Three little cousins all in a row ...

... tripping lightly down to the sea ...

... and giggling with joy as the waves roll in.

A sunshiny afternoon together at Stoney Beach.

Whoosh!

A wild wind set the autumn leaves whirling through the air as my mother and I strolled through Pretty Valley on Friday. Boo scooted alongside us on his little bike, begging to be pulled up hills, and only reluctantly abandoning his steed when we entered the touristy shops, cluttered with lovely things at exhorbitant prices.
My mother bought him a kite -- with an eagle's head and talons -- and treated us all to lunch at a darling cafe, where a russet grapevine twined brightly outside the windowpanes.
Best of all, as this was my early birthday excursion, I was given license to choose a gift for myself from a favourite little shop that sells divine cottagey bits and bobs.
And Boo's favourite part of the day? Whooshing down a hill in his Spiderman suit (which he wore all day), the autumn leaves fluttering down about him and crunching under his wheels.
He did this three times ... and each time someone had to pull him to the top!

Autumn Roses

A tiny forest of russet-red mushrooms has sprung up beneath the shedding magnolia tree, near the front steps. The small, button-like buds push up through the leaf-strewn earth almost as we watch, and blossom into up-ended reddish cups.
To me these mushrooms almost seem to be bouquets of autumn flowers, with their white gills in flounces like those of many petalled roses.

Darcy

A dear, busy little fellow, Darcy is another of the babies at mother's group. He toddles about contentedly most of the time, loves to push a stroller with a doll in it, and adores his big sister, Ailish.

Floria Visits

Saturday was a busy social day: an early visit to the church jumble sale; home for breakfast; then Boo's best friend's birthday party in the morning; and home to meet our lunch guests. Sparkly-eyed Floria was there much to Boo's delight, along with her parents and baby sister, as well as old friends Ralph and Judy.

The children had a ball: riding bikes on the verandah, accidentally releasing (and then chasing in vain) the chickens, searching the garden for mushrooms (just to spot, no touching or eating of course), and building a cubby house.

Meanwhile the adults dined on gourmet sausages, fennel and rice salad, tofu steaks, prawn skewers, and, when we were near to bursting, impossible pie served with mixed berries and cream. A feast!

The Best Playdough

Smooth and supple, long-lasting and inexpensive: this is the best homemade playdough ever.

4 T cream of tartar
2 c plain flour
2 c water
1 c salt
1 T vegetable oil
food colouring of your choice

1. Put all ingredients into a large saucepan and stir to combine.
2. Place pan on stove over medium heat and stir like mad until the dough becomes smooth and forms a ball. When it comes away from the sides of the pan it's ready.
3. Divide into portions and colour.

Store playdough in the fridge in a sealed container when it isn't being used, as it will dry out after a while.
But despite its many good qualities (and Boo's persistance) ... it's not good enough to eat!

Beach in Autumn

The beach was closed today, but Boo and I didn't mind.

We only planned a walk along the sand to watch the wild waves tumble to the shore.
But even on such a chilly autumn day, with a cold wind whistling through the pines, Boo's exhuberance and delight in the water couldn't be quelled.

And before long he splashed knee-deep in the tiny river, then chased the waves up and down the shore and rolled in the sand.

Until finally it was time to be wrapped in a warm coat and taken home for a hot bath and hot chocolate.

This little person knows how to have fun!

Autumn Leaves

No Spring nor Summer Beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one Autumnal face.

--John Donne

Magic Muffins

An oozing jammy centre, soft muffin and a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust. Just the thing to pair with a cup of tea on a windy, drizzling, grey day like today.

I think these would be divine made into mini-sized versions to take to a tea party

Jam-filled muffins

(makes 6 large muffins)

Melted butter, to grease

2c self-raising flour

3/4 c caster sugar

100g butter, melted

1/4c milk

2 eggs, lightly whisked

4 1/2 T raspberry jam

2 T sugar

1/4t ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 180C (350F). Brush 6 200ml muffin pans with melted butter to grease.
2. Place flour and caster sugar in a large bowl. In a large jug mix milk and eggs, then add melted butter. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
3. Fill cups half full with batter. Spoon 3t of jam into centre of each pan. Top with remaining batter and smooth the top with a spoon.
4. Combine 2T sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle over tops of muffins.
5. Bake 20 mins. Set aside to cool slightly, but these are nicest eaten while still a little warm.

Cottontail Sunset

On Saturday evening we enjoyed a walk in Toytown, where we watched the sun set over the park, town and little boat harbour, transforming a nearby field of cottontails into translucent stars.
Then as darkness set in, Boo, Jumps and I wandered up to the bustling noodle shop, where we scoffed boxes of thick, warm, spicy noodles before heading home.

The Spreading Sycamore Tree

Under the spreading sycamore tree, dusted with falling autumn leaves, hangs Boo's much-loved tyre swing.

Creamy Tomato and Prawn Pasta

We had this for dinner tonight and it was marvellous; quick, fresh, easy and low fat.
Although I don't have a picture, I'm jotting down the recipe as it would be a minor tragedy to lose or forget it.

Serves 4

30 prawns, shelled
1 red onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tbs. olive oil
450g tin crushed tomatoes
2 T finely chopped basil
1 small red chilli, finely chopped
150ml white wine
100 ml chicken stock
1/3 cup evaporated milk
2 cups fresh green beans, sliced
fresh fettucine to serve 4 people

1. Heat 1T olive oil in a large saucepan. Cook prawns 1 minute, or until pink. Remove and set aside.
2. Add 1T oil to pan. Cook onion over medium heat until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and chilli and cook for 2 minutes. Add wine and stock and cook until sauce thickens a little. Throw in basil, evaporated milk and prawns and heat through, but do not boil.
3. Cook fettucini and beans in boiling water, then drain.
4. Serve bowls of pasta and beans covered with sauce, and perhaps a green salad on the side.
5. Cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling water until al dente. Meanwhile, heat the oil and garlic in a large frying pan over low heat for 1 –2 minutes. Increase the heat to medium, add the prawns and cook for 3 – 4 minutes, stirring frequently until cooked. Remove the prawns and keep warm. Add the tomato and chopped basil and stir for 2 minutes. Pour in the wine and cream, bring to the boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the prawns until heated through. Toss through the pasta and serve.

Everyday beauties

These are the beauties that make even ordinary days seem special:

• a new sage-green bathmat, sprinkled with dusty pink roses;
• sweet-smelling lavender wands, twined with burgundy satin ribbon;
• a sweet robin, beautifully embroidered on a bag for lingerie;
• and posies of vivid hue, picked fresh from the autumnal garden.

White Hearthbreads

The smell of hot bread wafting through the house proved too tempting for Boo!

500g strong white flour
1t salt
8g instant dry yeast
285-315ml water (about 40C)
2 t sugar
1 1/2 t butter

1. In a mixer fitted with a dough hook (yes, I do this the easy way!), combine dry ingredients.
2. While mixing, slowly add water, stopping when the dough just comes together.
3. Knead on slow speed for 5 minutes, or until the dough becomes springy and glossy.
4. Place in a bowl, cover and stand in a warm position until doubled in size.
5. Return to the mixer and knead for another 2 minutes. Allow the dough to rest for 5 minutes before shaping it into rounds or french-style baguettes. Place on oven trays with baking paper underneath, and cover with a tea towel.
6. Allow to rise until doubled in size. Slash the crust with a very sharp knife, then brush loaves with egg wash.
7. Bake 220C for 20 minutes (baguettes) or until loaves sound hollow when tapped on the base.
   

White Ibis in Flight

This morning my father and I took an early morning bike ride down by the lake, our cameras tucked safely into the saddlebags.
The birdlife there is amazing: we saw ducks, ibis, spoonbills, sandpipers, sparrows, magpies and cockatoos, just to name a few.
It's been years since I took the bike out, and it really is delightful to whoosh down hills, then watch the beautiful scenery unfold as you trundle along the flat bits. Now that swimming weather is coming to an end, hopefully there'll be many more opportunities for biking this winter.

Having a Ball

Boo and I were invited to a marvellous party this morning.

Little Rory was turning three, and had his birthday treat at an indoor play centre. Boo had a ball, and couldn't be coaxed home -- we stayed for at least an hour after the party was over!

Morning Sun on the Driveway

The world was delicious as we drove to the village for Boo's second day at preschool. Spiderwebs hanging from the fences were strung with beads of dew, thick fog blanketed the green hollows in the fields, and the cows' warm breath steamed in the cold air.

Autumn is making its presence felt in the mornings; but by late morning the mists have burnt away and the days are still hot, with brilliant blue skies.

I love watching the seasons change.

Sienna

This little peach is the youngest daughter of a friend from mother's group. She's a dear little 8-month-old bundle of sunshine ... I'd take her home with me in an instant!

Garden Wonders

My father takes the most equisite macro nature shots: this photograph of a dragonfly at dawn, bejewelled with dew, was snapped at our dam; while the waterbug carrying his eggs was fished out of our little garden frog pond.

What wonders there are in a garden!