Mud pies?

Scrapped most of yesterday, and then went to the Camerons for tea and a DVD - 'twas a great evening, and we also met Marty who has been staying with the Cs for the a few days. He and Nick jammed for a short while after the movie.
Today I finished off another page, and then moved back into my regular kitchen spot. As we are having bible study here tonight I though I had better be prepared! I made the regular batch of granola bars, and also brownies and a German spice loaf. While the oven was still hot I also made a savoury tart for tea - so we're sorted! The boys played outside - here's Caleb's retelling of what they did:
"THE BIG EXPLOSION"
First, Aaron was just moving a piece of stick around and around on the ground, and he made a hole. Then I also wanted to and I made a thicker stick so it was a thicker hole, and then, after I had dug it (so it's about four inches deep and about two inches across) we put water in it cause the ground was hard and we wanted to soften it, and then it just sat around so I slowly pushed a stick into it and Aaron wanted me to hurry up so he pushed it very fast and the water exploded up. It was very muddy and Aaron and I started laughing. [Editor's note: they were a muddy mess and their clothes will need some attention tomorrow :-( ]

Hair today, gone tomorrow

I've started scrapping again - it's been about nine months since I've touched the hobby what with the packing and moving and settling, but it's time again to get into it. I have a few projects needing finishing, and then don't want to fall behind in the general documentation of our daily lives. Didn't get loads done, but it was good to fiddle with bits of paper again. Aaron begged me to cut his hair - he wanted it short, so I did that for him in the afternoon. It suits him as he has such a baby face still!Heh heh...my little piglet boy...

Wedded bliss

The boys and I dashed off straight after the morning service for a quick sandwich-lunch at home before heading to Christchurch. It is a pleasant two-hour drive, cruising along the single-lane highway at 100 kph. There are passing lanes built in quite frequently, so no pressure if cars are on one's tail. The airport is a bit confusing as it's in a state of renovation with little signage as to where to collect domestic arrivals. We soon spotted our domestic though and it was a happy reunion! It was too cold in Chch to hang around - I was definitely not going to push to have our soup-in-a-flask tea in a park as we had planned. Came straight home instead and spent the evening chilling. Nick has been very positive about the week's events - he has been challenged afresh in his ministry. At 10 pm we Skyped my parents who celebrated their Ruby Wedding Anniversary today - congratulations Dad and Mom on your 40 years! We praise God for His gracious hand on you both, and thank Him for the example you have set before your children.

There's no place like St Helena

Managed to spent a quiet day at home, catching up on some of the things left undone during the week. The boys had been playing with Aaron's new football and wondered if Jayden could come and play. "Phone him", I said, so they did and he could so he did. Grant, Erin-Marie and Dinnay all came along to drop him off. Thankfully the house looked a bit better than it had the day before. On Thursday when I had done the grocery shopping, a lady next to me at the tomato section dropped a few complaints about the size of the large tomatoes and the cost of them. I only smiled and nodded, but inwardly I cringed - we are so blessed with the abundance of fruit and veggies which are always available. I guess part of the reason I enjoy the grocery shopping so much now (apart from the convenience of a trolley) is that I can get everything on my list. I will never cast the same eye over a barrel of tomatoes!

HBC wraps up

I was asked to take a few photos of the HBC, so after dropping the five kids, I hung around and make the most of the abysmal light in the chapel. Didn't take an impressive batch of photos. The club ended with a parents' evening and prize-giving, for which the kids were required to dress in "international costume". Josh had helped Aaron figure out his costume with a huge green hat and cape, but Caleb's didn't come so quickly. I hit on "South African Braai-Guy", and spent the afternoon making an apron for him. A hat, sunglasses, firelighters, matches and tongs completed the outfit. They couldn't wait to get back to the chapel and parade themselves! Roy, the leader, wrapped up the week in a neat summary for the parents' benefit, and the kids enjoyed showing off their knowledge and teaming up against the grown-ups in some of the games. Caleb and Aaron both won prizes - Caleb came second in the "clicks" (merit point for attendance, memory verse, good behaviour etc), and Aaron was voted the best-dressed boy. Well done boys, and thanks to all at the Church Street Bible Chapel for the hosting of the holiday club.

There's no place like home

Part I: Dropped my growing flock of five off at HBC, did the grocery shopping, unpacked the cold stuff into the fridge/freezer, dashed back to collect the kids. Phew.
Part II: Lunch at Kurt and Shirley - a scrumptious quiche which the boys dawdled over, to my great embarrassment.Part III: An afternoon with Bronwyn and the kids. Bron and I looked at photos and chatted and then launched into Dutch Blitz, and the boys played Rummikub with Sam and then twister.Part IV: Tea at the Camerons, and an impromptu ladies' night - watched a DVD and although there were bowls of lollies, chocolates, chips and popcorn, and bottles of grape juice, we were all very good and left almost full bowls of snacks! Well done ladies.Part V: Zzzzzzzzz.....

Transitional fruit salad

Caleb and Aaron invited the two Klazinga "littlies" and the one "middlie" to the holiday club. The three "oldies" were of course, too old to attend although I nearly persuaded Micah to join as a helper, as he was hanging around in the kitchen looking like he might not have a plan for the day. After dropping the five kids off at the club I headed to our own church for the monthly coffee morning. The guest speaker was a "Mr Calkin" who addressed the issue of "Transition in Timaru" with a powerpoint presentation and many large words and unfamiliar phrases. He had an assistant with him though who translated his presentation into some very interesting foresights into the future of energy in Timaru and the downfall of the economic climate. The conclusion was that we should be preparing now for the future by learning how to grow our own veggies and fruit trees, considering the use of bicycles etc. It was definitely eye-opening.When I went to fetch the children they were playing a game of "Fruit Salad" with a huge parachute which looked like heaps of fun. I was mistaken for a photographer from the Herald!

HBC, photos and the Ks

Had been kind of wondering what I would do with the boys these school holidays, especially in Nick's absence (not that his presence would really make a difference as he still has work to do!), so was very glad to hear about the Holiday Bible Club being run at the Church Street Bible Chapel. Caleb and Josh were going, so of course my Caleb and Aaron didn't need any convincing at all! Today was the first morning and it runs until Friday, 10 am to 12 noon each day. I dropped them off, came home to continue sifting through the mass of paperwork which needed filing, hung up a load of washing, and then it was pretty much time to collect them again. They were just beaming and bursting which snippets of the morning. Caleb has shown his competitive side in trying to earn as many "clicks" (points) as possible, while Aaron just has as much fun as he can. In the photo below they are colouring in a take-home paper in the hopes of earning more clicks.During the afternoon we walked up to Harvey Norman to get some photos printed - the boys love visiting this huge appliance store and head straight for the huge 3-D flat-screen TVs which perpetually seem to play Monsters vs Aliens, which is one of only about 6 movies which has been mastered for 3D. We asked a sales person for the glasses, and that keeps the boys busy and out of trouble. I wandered around until my enlargements and prints were ready, and then we ran home. In the evening we had a tea invite to the Klazingas...a canadian family who have been in NZ for 9 years doing a church plant, and are soon to head over to Oz. Jim and Julie have 7 children ranging in age from 18 down to 6, I think...what a happy chaos. Jim has already been in Oz for about two months but Julie has had to stay here to try get the house sold. It's not a good situation to be separated for so long but she is coping beautifully - I'll take her as an example of godly grass-widowhood any day! Only six of their children still live at home, with Josh being away at Christchurch Uni. We had a thoroughly awesome evening, laughing pretty much throughout. I can see how large families can really work!

Let the holidays begin

I've had a terribly wonderful day - both with it being school holidays and Nick being away, I've gotten so much done: three loads of washing, a haircut, vacuumed the house, baked, shopped, visited, cooked a meal, made a fire and started the horrid job of filing. On today's baking menu were cheese straws and 'speedy date slice' although that name is misleading as it took ages to make. Perhaps they are referring to how quickly the finished product can get eaten. I still have most of the batch safely stowed in the fridge but given half a chance the boys would have scoffed the whole lot away. Aaron was keen to help so I tasked him with the job of working the margarine into the flour for the straws. He loves doing it and was quite proficient by the time he'd finished!

First-time winner

Nick was up bright and early this morning. I know this because when he phoned at 7.30 am he had already been up for some time, despite a 1 am bedtime after much fellowshipping. I, on the other hand, had just been contemplating the morning ritual of shedding the warm blankets and shuffling through to the diningroom. The Shoshoni people cover their cooking fires in ashes at night, unearthing the live coals the next morning which are still hot and ready for fuel. We turn on the heatpump. Had to rush a bit to get a platter of meatballs and wedges and myself ready for church, but with the boys helping by drying the dishes and putting them away, the morning was saved. In Nick's absence Grant shared - a refreshing reminder of Paul's joy in the Lord (Phil 1:12-20). We shared the Lord's Supper together, and then had our monthly church lunch - a great opportunity to catch up with and get to know our brothers and sisters. Between lunch and the afternoon service the boys and I came home. I was wanting to just be at home after a busy weekend, but after the second service was feeling ready to take on the world again. Or at least, Grant and Petru...the boys and I called around for a cup of tea and delicious cake and some great chatting. Absolutely no photos from the day, so I'll share this one: I entered it in a monthly competition at Harvey Norman's, and was ecstatic when I was phoned on Friday as the winner! The prize is a selection of free prints and enlargements. I took the picture on St Helena around the Ladder Hill Complex, and converted it to B&W specifically for the month's theme.

A visit to Christchurch

Nick left today for Palmerston North, where he will be preaching tomorrow (Sunday), and then attending a week of School of Theology, followed by an FRBCNZ meeting next Saturday. It will be a good time for him, I think, as he connects with the other reformed pastors in NZ. The boys and I dropped him off at the airport: in Christchurch, a two-hour drive north! This was our second time in Chch, the first having been when we arrived. We did not take much in at that time after the hours and hours of airplane travel, so this time it was good to see a bit more of the city. We tried to leave early but only managed to leave home after 9 am, and this after a few false starts looking for my cellphone between home and the church. Had to stop halfway in Ashburton for a pitstop as well, and finally arrived in Chch around 11.30. Parked at the first mall we came to, bought a map, walked around the mall - a new experience since leaving SA, as Timaru doesn't boast such conveniences. It was small though and didn't take long to get from one side to the other. Exited, crossed the road, and we were straight into another mall. Oi. Walked around there extensively although I must confess that I was the only one excited about the shops...Nick and the boys sat waiting on a bench while I scouted around. Came to the conclusion that Timaru has pretty much everything we need. Bought our lunch at PaknSave and sat on a bench in the mall, observing all the passersby who mostly ignored us. Perhaps we looked like tourists. Or perhaps we looked like southerners, at odds with big city life! Left the mall after lunch and got to the airport with about five minutes to spare before Nick had to board. The airport was very simple to find and navigate - vastly different from our experience with OR Tembo. We parked in a drop-off zone, hastily said our goodbyes, and separated. I asked the boys if they wanted to drive through the city on the way home; they were agreeable but in hindsight would have said "NO WAY"!!! What followed was a half hour at least of feeling our way through the city centre, up and down one-ways, through masses of people and cars, traffic lights, turning lanes...I was getting desperate just to find a place to park so I could examine my map and figure out the next move. Eventually found another PaknSave where I could get my bearings and find the way to another big shop which had been recommended - Spotlight. We were impressed with its size and array of goods (considering this from a St Helenian experience as well...the mind boggles) but again, I'm very content with our smaller and quieter Timaru shops! The boys were relieved to get out of Christchurch and on the road home. On the whole, I did not like the city, much preferring the small-town lifestyle. Had tea with the Camerons - good not to have our first Nickless night alone at home. This trip away though, is nothing like his Ascension mission last year, where he was away for 30 days in a different country with limited contactability (were it not for the Williamsons' Skype vouchers, we would have been out of contact - here I can phone Nick's mobile from mine as much as I want to for free). This is only an 8-day separation and will be sure to fly.

Of feeding cows and kids

Last day of school, last day of school - it's been a long term! I think the length actually ended up working to our advantage though, as it's the first time we've really pushed through the "I'm sick of school" feeling, which has normally come just before the end of term. I think we all just got used to the regularity of school and there were way fewer complaints every Monday. We finished early, had a quick lunch, then went to visit John, one of our parishioners, on his farm to the south of Timaru. His farmland is extensive and very beautiful, and he currently has about 900 cow heads - no, head of cows? heads of cattle? feeding off the kale which is grown for them. He explained the system of moving the electric fence so the cows get a new section of it every day. They also get fermented grass. I am glad I am not a cow.Had about an hour and a half at home before rushing to the next planned event - youth group. Nick finished his packing and did two guitar lessons, and I just had time to pack up some fudge and coconut ice and make a pizza before we left to be at the church at 5. There were about 20 kids in attendance for a pizza and DVD evening. We ate first, then ran a bible quiz, then projected "The End of the Spear", the story of Jim Elliot and Nate Saint and the two others who were martyred by Waodani tribesmen to whom they had gone to preach the good news of Jesus Christ. It was told from Steve Saint's perspective, and a very moving story. Hope it made an impact on them. In the last hour or so before parents arrived, we played several code-cracking group games.

Lynn-in-the-kitchen

So, my joy of fudge-perfecting was short-lived. Last night's batch sat in the pan all night, and this morning when I was ready to put it away, I found that Fudgeblob II was very happy in the baking tray. The upper crust had dried and set and wanted to be set free, but the lower half clung tenaciously to the pan. If you've ever pulled a snail off a rock, you'll understand. I salvaged a few whole pieces, but most of the batch broke apart. Although the texture was satisfyingly smooth, it's still too damp. I am launching an investigation into matters pertaining to condensed milk tin sizes and cup measurements. Will try again when we've given and eaten this batch all away.Went with Nick to town to buy an adapter after lunch. Not very exciting, but it's always fun to go out together. We walked almost the whole length of Stafford Street looking for an electronics shop. I didn't have much time for baking after that, but did squeeze in a small batch of cheese straws. (Hazel, please tell Prudy that I used her hand-written copy of the recipe; made me think fondly of her!). Next time I'll quadruple the batch because they would have disappeared within ten minutes had I not quickly hidden them.The kitchen...all the major renovations now complete, and I'm loving it. A HUGE thank you again to our landlords who have been so great about all the renovations.

A sweet story

Thought I'd give fudge-making a whirl yesterday, continuing in my spurt of baking. Rachel and Kurt were here doing the tiling in the afternoon, but I had the kitchen back to myself in the evening. I had visions of turning out a perfect batch of fudge, cutting it into neat little one-inch squares using a wooden ruler as a guide as my dad used to do when we were growing up. Fudge is kind of a Salzwedel tradition - my dad is still a regular at it, and my middle brother has been known to produce it from time to time. The recipe has been in the family for at least three generations. The end result of my efforts was a sad sludge, like wet sea-sand only better tasting. But much less fun for castle-building because of the stickiness. I gave up on it setting last night and put the pan in the fridge; this morning I had cold, wet sea-sand. I managed to cut it all neatly but only because it had been in the fridge. After I had scraped it out of the baking tray it ran back together as any self-healing granulary Fudgeblob would do. Felt bad about binning the whole lot, but as the only way to eat it was with a spoon (and there was that whole sand thing going on), it didn't seem like a fun thing to have it sitting in the cupboard for ages, mocking me from its ice-cream tub sanctuary. As a compromise, I used some of it as a middle layer in a batch of millionaire shortbread which was a moderate success. Kurt and Rachel were back to finish the tiling today, so the kitchen is now done - they did an excellent job and it all looks very neat and complete.
But back to the baking part of the story...I made a batch of coconut ice which is horribly messy to make but pretty difficult to mess up, so that turned out well. Nick cut it and away went my neat little squares idea which was to be implemented on that set of confectionary. They're little rectangles of all sizes, but they are neat. I had to skip bible study again as Nick has been dealing with matters related to marriage, not appropriate for the boys. Tackled the fudge recipe again, taking ages to bring it to a slow boil over moderate heat, and it seems to have worked this time. It's still cooling down so my elation might be premature, but I think I will sleep easier tonight knowing that I do, after all, still have Salzwedel in my roots.

Granola, take 1 and 2

Hooray, we have a fully functioning kitchen again, including a fridge...what a blessing to have it all back to normal and usable again. I also have the laundry back, so don't have to squeeze washing in through the tiny gap the fridge was allowing the door to open (did that sentence make sense?). We had another very chilled day yesterday, with church morning and afternoon and time at home before and after. We did take ourselves to Mcdonalds for lunch though because we left church fairly late and I didn't have any lunch plan cooked up. It was cold and the skies were grey, perfect weather for tweaking a take-away. I baked a batch of granola bars in the afternoon, getting them out of the oven just before leaving for church again. They were moderately successful but I tried them again after lunch today, modifying the recipe slightly with a better result. Here is the recipe:
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts
• ½ cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame etc)
• 1 cup chopped fruit (raisins, dried apricots, cranberries, dates etc)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup (55 grams) Demerara or light brown sugar
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) honey
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Turn oven on to 180 degrees and place the rack in the center of the oven. Grease AND line a cookie sheet with spray and baking paper.
In a large bowl mix together the rolled oats, coconut and nuts. Transfer to the baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes while the oven is heating, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven and transfer the oat mixture back to the mixing bowl, discarding the baking paper. Stir in the seeds, fruit, salt, and cinnamon.
Melt the butter, brown sugar, honey, and vanilla in a small saucepan, placed over medium heat. Once the sugar mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for a couple of minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour over the oat mixture. With a large spoon or spatula, stir the granola, making sure all the dry ingredients are completely coated with the butter mixture. Pour the granola into the greased pan and, with damp hands, lightly press the granola evenly into the pan.
Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 20 minutes before cutting into bars, fingers or squares. (Note: The granola bars will be soft when they are removed from the oven but will firm up as they cool.) Can be stored at room temperature for several days.