Easter 2009

This Easter has been a good time to kick back and relax with the girls after quite a busy term. Kaye and Brian are now enjoying Europe. They've left Belgium then onto Paris to see their grand-daughter Brianna in the Can-Can at Moulin Rouge. They'll see Italy and more.

Been trying to find outfits for the girls @ Myer and Kidzone. Lots of clothes for Chelsea but not so for Ella who's in that''tween stage'. So still looking. My parents are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary next month by holding a lunch at the Huntingdale Golf Club. So we've got things to plan.

Ella's first time at Net-Set-Go tomorrow. It's not on next week - Anzac Day.
Will be celebrating Roy's 50th so that will be fun and good to see friends. Went to Riddells Creek yesterday and caught up with Colette while the girls with Harry and Sophie designed houses in the backyard. Good to catch up.

Just back from my BodyBalance class which I love. Pilates is in it but not too much! Same with yoga. Tai Chi is just to warm up with.

Brian went back to work after a week off. We went to Aireys Inlet again. Need more time though. 2 nights isn't enough now the girls are growing up.

Ella went to school camp today for 2 nights. Will be quiet around here.. We'll will miss her over the 2 nights. She'll be busy doing different activities: abseiling rowing low rope activities oh so many things to do in their 'rotating groups'! She's been excited for days. Hope she doesn't eat all her lollies at once!

Chelsea went upstairs to school by herself today for the first time ever! (Her class had already gone up) Becoming more independent every day!

Ella will be tap dancing at Willi Festival on Sunday and also for the Dance Cancer Initiative on Sunday night, which will be televised on Aurora Channel in August.

Went back to work today. So far I have 5 weekly students and 10 off-campus.
Need to create new assessments for the new wkly program, will be in my Webct shell by next week.

It's actually the 11th though the blog says 10th.
The bushfire death toll is now 181, though the paper says it may rise up to 300.
A devastating natural disaster making news around the world.

Just learnt today that 2 of my posts were saved as drafts so have now published them. Also learnt how to stop following a blog that I didn't want to follow, I'd just been learning how to follow blogs. So, finally, blogging is falling in to place. Takes a lot of time when you're starting with Flickr, Yahoo, Bloglines, all together. Have been back to Flickr a few times to learn more about it cos that's where I'd like to store my photos (& videos later when I can get the film off my camcorder.)
Back to work next week so better charge ahead and do more activities.

Bushfires

Last weekend the temperature rose to a record 45.6 degrees and there were several bushfires across Victoria. The toll is 108. We have friends who lost their house in Kinglake, though their shed with campertrailer is still there. They won't go back for a while.

Feb is here!

Back from school holidays. I love January holidays, it's my fave time of year. But can't wait to see what this year holds as well!

Had a trip to Gold Coast with my 2 daughters. Ella competed in National Showcase Competition @ Jupiter's Casino. Her U10 tap and jazz troupe qualified for the Worlds!

Splash back arriving today! Then our kitchen only needs glass in 1 cabinet and it's all done! All good things take time...

Still putting our kitchen together. All except for glass splashbacks now. Lime Parfait sound beautiful, though Brian wants the glass on white - seagreen effect. Might have to go with it. Many more renovations on the list. Brian's painting right now, he bought a storm water pipe this morning before the kids were up for school. When we get to the end of the current list we plan to find a new member of the family through a visit to the Nth Melbourne Lost Dogs Home. Need a new front fence and gate - that's end of list!

Zabaglione with chocolate

YUMMY RECIPE!

I've never actually made this but if I made desserts I would!

8 egg yolks
100g of caster sugar
1 nip of grappa (or brandy)
150ml of white wine
1 vanilla bean in half
good-quality, bitter chocolate
Chef: Steve Manfredi Photo: Quentin Jones Source: The Sydney Morning Herald Saturday August 12, 2006 Italian, Quick, Wheat free, Nut free, Dessert
These days zabaglione is flavoured with many different wines and spirits. For a very light, frothy version that's excellent as an accompaniment to poached or fresh fruit, try adding bubbly moscato or champagne. Late-picked or botrytis-type dessert wines will give a richer result, as will adding a small quantity of your favourite liqueur.
Method
In a large bowl, whisk 8 egg yolks with 100g of caster sugar until the mixture is pale and thick. Add a nip of grappa (or brandy) and 150ml of white wine and mix well. Split a vanilla bean in half, scrape out the seeds and add to the mixture.
Place the bowl over a pot filled to a third with simmering water and on a medium heat. The bowl should sit snugly on the pot but the bottom of the bowl should not touch the water. Keep whisking the zabaglione until it thickens and doubles in volume.
Cool the zabaglione before pouring into glass goblets. Shave some good-quality, bitter chocolate on top before serving.
Serves 6.

These days zabaglione is flavoured with many different wines and spirits. For a very light, frothy version that's excellent as an accompaniment to poached or fresh fruit, try adding bubbly moscato or champagne. Late-picked or botrytis-type dessert wines will give a richer result, as will adding a small quantity of your favourite liqueur.

from: Cuisine.com

First time for everything!

Can't believe I'm doing this! First blog ever. I've been a late adopter for this.