Rebecca and the Queens Baton Relay

It's been a while since I "put pen to paper" here as I've been concentrating on family weddings and trips away in our loved caravan (see Caravan Adventures and News)

This past week however has been pretty exciting and I was privileged to watch our dear daughter Rebecca be a participant in the Queens Baton Relay. 
She along with many others helped carry the baton towards the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

The smiles say it all...Rebecca with fellow participant Anthony

Off she goes!

Here she comes!

Running with her escorts.

Handing over to 008

With the cheer squad, sister Steph, Mum & Dad

Twin sister Stephanie always on hand to give support and love

Rebecca has cerebral palsy, she is a Paralympian,

an Australian champion class 6 table tennis player, 

a Girls Brigade Leader, a Yooralla Ambassador

and she works full time as a Kindergarten Teacher.

We are incredibly proud of this amazing young woman.

Tomato Paste

I usually buy tomato paste in a large jar. If I don't use it all (which I rarely do) in one sitting it goes into the fridge and next time I need to use it's always  mouldy.
Annoying? Yes you are right so I have started doing this which is easy and avoids waste.

 

Freeze tablespoon blobs on a tray covered with baking paper

 

Then just 'bag em'

and voila, tomato paste whenever you need it

Green Tomatoes

The last of the tomatoes came into the kitchen so I just had to make chutney before they 'died'

 

Even though we didn't have many still didn't want to waste them.

I am happy with the result and Trevor thinks it's delicious which makes me even happier!

 

I used the usual...apple, sultanas, spice, brown  sugar, brown vinegar and cooked until thick and treacly

70's Dinner Party

We definitely had a 70"s throw back dinner party a couple of weeks back. It was not planned that way but did turn out to be just that...

Starter
          French Onion Soup
Main
          Roast Pork & Apple Sauce
Dessert
          Butternut Snap and Violet Crumple Ripple Cake

Tears....

Add a glass of bubbly

More chocolate please

Love honeycomb so much

Yummy

It's never about the food of course, it's all about the company and being able to enjoy being with family and friends.
Throw in a couple of bottles of wine and some delicious food and you are set for a great time together.
We don't entertain the way we did in the 70's or as often but when we do I love to have easy to prepare ahead food that takes any stress out of the occasion so I can spend the max amount of time with the guests.
This 70's  dinner was fun and the food was great.
         

Griffith NSW

Inland pelicans resting beside the canal near the vineyards and orange groves.



I wonder what the fishing is like here?



We did see babies with this group but missed them in the photo

Lake Boga

Pelicans feeding in a pack (or is it a flock) on Lake Boga.

They stayed in this formation for about 15 minutes all dipping their heads underwater at the same time.

Then without warning they'd had enough and flew off.