Happy Australia Day

Happy Australia Day to you all.

Normally I am not a very patriotic person, but I realise, as I am growing older, that I am very lucky to live where I do. I live in a country that is accepting of others, that is an exciting and developing nation and it is a country in which my sons will have unlimited opportunities if they are wise enough to explore what is available and to challenge themselves.

My home town is large and old enough to have an interesting history, a varied culture and an acceptance of diversity, but it is small enough to be friendly and comforting. The schools are world class, we have a renowned University and excellent healthcare facilities. We are small enough to know the shopkeepers by name and to have great customer service.

But, the best thing about my country is the fact that I have wonderful friends here. So today a small group of us got together for our Australia Day Celebration. We were unashamedly patriotic of course, however the important thing was to just be together. We had the obligatory Aussie BBQ, along with lamingtons, but the dessert was to die for. I have no idea what you call this, but it was sensational!

Ingredients:

• Tin of peaches
• Tub of cream - whipped
• Packet of "Butternut Snap" biscuits crushed
• Packet of hazelnuts - crushed
• Block of dark chocolate - crushed.

Method:

• Mix together the cream, biscuits, hazelnuts & chocolate and put on top of the drained peaches.
• Add an Ausssie Flag.
• Enjoy!!

Terry Told Me Off!!!

I have had a very timely reminder from a dear friend, in that I have not updated this blog in like FOREVER, & he is totally correct. But given that he has publicly shamed me on Facebook with his reminder, here is my payback - here is a photo of the gorgeous Terry & myself at a work Christmas party in 2oo8.

So, what has happened recently?

• We had a great Christmas, which we spent with my brother's in-laws. It was a fantastic & joyous day, with none of the family members having to work at all. Brilliant! It was a 10 hour party marathon, & I would think that it was one of the best days I have ever had.
• The boys spent NYE with my bother & his wife down at the beach. Jem & I were both off, it was a stinking hot night, but then the power went out during a massive thunderstorm. We lit candles to see, but that just turned out to be disastrously too hot, so we blew them all out & were then covered in stinky candle smoke for quite a while. Not as romantic as you would think really.
  
• Both Jem & I have had holidays at home, but took consecutive 2 week blocks to try to cover the school holidays as best we could. We're both back at work now, & the boys go back to school at the end of next week. Mum & Dad are doing the grandparent thing & all seem to be enjoying themselves.
  
• Both boys have moved up a grade at school, Jack being now in Grade 5 & Tom moving into Year 7. It's been a marathon of book buying/covering, clothes buying/naming, shoe buying & form filling. Both boys are looking forward to the new school year to see all their mates again. I just feel like I'm getting old & am losing my babies as they march into adulthood at a very rapid rate.
• The animals continue to rule the house. We are their very obedient servants, so all is right with the world.

So, what now?

• I promise whole heartedly to Terry to be more diligent in my ramblings here.
• We have "Briards in Ballarat" coming up on March 7th at our home. All the gang will be here it seems, plus a new member, Miss Tee who is just a delight & I can't wait to meet her & her Mum! Will definitely have a ramble or two about that day!