Saturday, December 24, 2022
Thursday, December 22, 2022
CHRISTMAS IS A'COMING
Christmas approaches, and traditional rituals are being observed...
perhaps a little less of this or that, as we grow older....
The pansies are still in bloom. It appears this year I have won my competition with myself to keep them going until Christmas.
Despite a few short burst of intense heat, the weather has remained relatively pleasant lately, with temperatures hovering around 30c.
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The pile of presents for our children and grandchildren is growing beside the Pink Christmas Tree...
I put on my ancient Red Cardinal apron, and made a hasty Christmas cake. This recipe is for non-cooks like me who left it until the last minute.
1kg mixed dried fruit
2 1/4 cups apple juice
2 cups self-raising flour
Boil mixed fruit and apple juice for three minutes.
Leave to cool to room temperature.
Add 2 cups flour.
Bake 2 hours at 160 c.
Naturally I decided to add variety, and put in some cherries and flaked nuts, plus cinnamon and nutmeg.
The cake is moist and delicious, and probably will not last very long.
We will sing carols at church, celebrating the First Christmas..
I made this cross-stitch about 20 years ago, when my eyesight was much keener :)
My dear friend V made this little pink paper Christmas house for our pink tree..
Isn't it gorgeous?
On Saturday I will be baking a leg of ham, a family favourite.
The glaze is made with ginger marmalade, brown sugar, mustard, and ginger ale.
It is decadently delicious as part of Christmas lunch with our family...
Looking forward to a visit from the grandies on Saturday..
They are such fun to have around.
I hope your preparations are going well.
Remember the reason for the season...
XXXX
Monday, December 5, 2022
EARTHSHOT GREEN
The Great Barrier Reef, one of the Wonders of the World, lies parallel to our Queensland Coast in the tropical waters south of the Equator.
Concerns have been raised for many years about the condition of the Reef, the effects of pollution and/or global warming. While opinions may differ, we all agree that the Reef must be protected and cared for into the future.
Indigenous Women of the Great Barrier Reef have been training women over the past four years, to be Rangers bringing together ancient knowledge and modern conservation tools to better protect the Reef.
It was quite a thrill to learn today that this organisation is the winner of the 'Revive our Oceans' section of the Earthshot Prize Awards, announced in Boston this week.
Well done, fellow Queenslanders!
The Awards are a personal project for Prince William, and the Prince and Princess of Wales have been warmly welcomed in Boston.
Princess Catherine looked stunning on the green carpet in a rented, chic green gown. For the first time, she is seen wearing an emerald necklace favoured by the late Princess Diana.
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Australians will remember this night in Sydney in the 1980s:
Diana surprised us by wearing the emeralds as a headband - which better suited her one-shouldered gown.
Those were happier times for the Prince and Princess...
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Christmas is fast approaching....
Have a good week....
XXXX
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