No reason - I just like it!

Summertime and the living is easy....

Another great sunny day here and we are going to a free concert in the park, taking a picnic and going to chill out before I head back to work tomorrow. Yup - have had the past 3 weeks off and have loved every nano second of it. I switched off the cellphone and tossed it into a drawer, it isn't being liberated until 8am Monday 4 February. So there.

While I have been away from work, I have embarked on a family project. You ,know the sort - loads of photos and a heap of 'where the hell do I start"?  This one is of my mum and myself - I'm the short one.

This project is pretty cool, having unusual family surnames has made it a bit easier to trace back the generations - to the Scots on Dad's side to the English on mum's. So - will be interesting to see what else I can dig up. Mum has a 'significant' birthday this month and we are all gathering (not like vultures0 for a celebration in her wee town of Kaknui. The locals won't know what's hit them!

So, while I am down here sunning myself and trying to ignore that yucky feeling of 'work tomorrow' - since you can't join me for the picnic you can atleast enjoy the artist we are hearing for free this arvo. Enjoy! And spot ya round the watercooler...

Meanwhile back in the park...

Free concert in the park on Sunday's - it's been great, especially with the weather being so fabulous. This photo shows the dash on my car yesterday recording the outside temperature on the left...

Yep, suffice to say we have been having it pretty hot!

Anyway, back to the park. This mother duck was parading her young about the place and they stopped off for a swim (as ducks are wont to do) and seemed oblivious to the statue behind them. I thought it was rather cute. And then I went home and had a cold Feijoa Cider to quench my thirst!

Whistle Wetting Wednesday

Hi ho, a New Year it is then! So be it. I have no quarrel with Father Time nor his four-seasoned sisters.

Today we will keep it simple and straightforward.

VODKA and PEPPERMINT (I know, almost sounds like a mouthwash doesn't it?)
3/4 ounce vodka
3/4 ounce peppermint cordial
Tonic water for topping up and a peel of lemon for garnish.

Shake the Vodka and cordial together with ice and strain into a glass (a highball will do nicely thank you...just up behind those champers glasses...there's a love, get one for yourself while you're there - mind the dust....), top up with tonic water and stir briefly; hang the lemon peel spiral over the rim of the glass and you're done.

Come on, sit here next to me and have a look at this...

Christmas Songs

No, no - don't run away screaming...this isn't the typical make-your-ears-bleed song!



So - what song lights up your Christmas stockings?

Thirsty Thursday

OK, so we're back to this are we? Yes, having a tipple this late in the week - but I assure you I have earned it. Things have been a bit - shall we say stressed? - down here in recent times, but enough about that. Let's see what is on the drinks trolly today shall we?

Lava Lamps

 Vodka jelly shots in champagne.

Serves: 4  (or 1 greedy guts)

1 packet of jelly crystals

1 cup (250 ml) boiling water

1 cup (250 ml) vodka

1 bottle (750 ml) champagne, chilled

 Preparation method

Mix the jelly crystals with the boiling water and stir until dissolved. Let cool a little then stir in the vodka. Pour the liquid into 4 small paper cups or other small containers. Chill until set, at least 2 hours.

Pour champagne into glasses. Break up the jelly with a fork, and pour into each glass of champagne. A little stir gives it some 'lava' action. Oh come on, it's not that gross!!

Sunday Song

Check out this young lady - only 11 years old.