Thursday, January 29, 2015

Peaceful Alignment

Tonight's menu plan was one designed to optimise youthful engagement and clear out the fridge of an assortment of odds and ends.  What better way to do that than with a pizza? 

Today the youngster bounded down the driveway with glee.  The long awaited purchase had arrived.  Armed with some Christmas cash we headed to the local shopping centre in search of an Enderman.  Parents who have children who play Minecraft are nodding now.  Turns out and Enderman is $18.  At the shocking news of the cost of have it now, the arms went on the hips and there was a gasp, frown and then a disgusted "that's too expensive". 

We had done our homework and knew that from Hong Kong and Enderman would set us back about $4 all up.  Only catch with Hong Kong is that you have to wait.  There is a double parenting lesson in that one from me, watch the money and be prepared to pay more to have instant gratification.  We in fact picked up a special Enderman that you cannot buy locally, and for the pleasure we were prepared to part with $5.80!

 
Pizzas are cool, so the apron was donned in a flash, along with Minecraft PJ's (yep, thanks Santa) and of course our new found friend offered assistance.

With the benefit of a no homework night, there is a little spare time.  Enough to have the budding chef do most of the work, without shedding a drop of blood when armed with the sharp knife.


One of the joys of pizza night is the quick check of the pantry to see if there are marshmallows present.  Check check, good to go.  Mummy had already ensured that the wood pile was well stocked from pre-lawn mowing checks, the small dropping branches quickly transformed into wood fire ready status and stacked beside the oven.  As the oven temperature prepares, the good chef scours the yard in search of the perfect roasting stick.


Living on the Western suburbs, our deck gives just the right place to be sitting to watch the sun go down.  Tonight we prepared a hasty picnic outside and sat back to enjoy the show.  With the relaxed atmosphere the opportunity to bond and talk about your day, life and answer many of the "Why" questions.  It is a time that I am sure in years to come we will both look back on and remember fondly.  Especially the lime green PJ's.


Our cost per pizza has certainly come way down, and the $200 or so dollars we spent a few years ago has been well worth the memories it has created.  Welcome to the family Mr or Ms Enderman ;-)

 

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Our First Mango!

One of the things we have loved about our acreage is the great delight we have taken in planting trees and plants and then harvesting.  We have enjoyed many an hour pottering around.  A few years ago we were given a mango tree, and with a ceremonious hole digging session, we plonked the little tree in.

It has been carefully watched each year in anticipation about what may one day come.  This year the little baby mangoes were everywhere and the family was giddy with excitement.  Of course then came the Summer storms and off the little darlings went.

We have since held our breathe, waiting to see how many would actually make it through.  And the lucky number is.....


Excellent counting!  Four!  The smallest one has now ripened sufficiently enough to be picked and transporting to our kitchen awaiting eating.  We will of course practice our seed growing as I attempt to harvest the pip out of the husk in a few weeks time.  It is akin to oyster shucking!  You prise the thing open, often stabbing yourself in the process, just to try and grab out the middle.  At least this thing is not all slimy and ready to be eaten!



Our first attempt grew roots but some how lost its way, more destined for the garbage bin instead of a ceremonious hole digging session.  Given that we have loads of patience, we shall simply try again with another few husks until we gain some success.


 

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Santa's Feast

During the school vacation program the kids made reindeer food.  I doubt even a reindeer could prepare for the mixture of oats, sugar and glitter.  I am sure it is the recipe that helps them fly.  Despite that, our plans for healthy eating this year have done remarkably well.  There were sufficient apple and carrots for each of the reindeer, and I was instructed to Google to make sure we had exactly enough!  Santa of course likes milk, and this Santa loves Tim Tams :-)



The great news is that self sufficiency has taken over, and I am no longer needed for any prep work.

 

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Preparing for Christmas

At nine, the spirit and excitement of Santa Clause are no doubt approaching the end.  For this year, the letter to Santa was quickly drafted without the assistance of mum.  And at nine, well we are all good for taking up both sides of the A4 page for Santa.  Upon inspecting said letter to Santa, this is what I found;


In the bottom left hand corner was a please turn over notation.  Just in case Santa is not good at understanding primary school writing, there are some pictures to help guide the way.  Although letters to Santa are all about what I want, I was really pleased that she left the door open for Santa to get anything else he wanted, and letting him know that was "okay"!

 
Before I headed out to post the letter, I noticed that it had had a minor revision.