Back to the grind...

Well heading back to work tomorrow after 2 days off. I should have mowed the yard though( might get to it tomorrow), it looks hairy again :*( At least the washing is done, shirts ironed too!, and have cleaned out the deep freeze. It had a bit of ice build up on the sides, and we cleaned out and sorted what was left in it. Seems to be a lot of dog food, 2 containers of mixed meat for cooking, a rost, a silverside, a big pile of assorted bread and rolls, and some redclaw bait. There are a few other odds and ends in the baskets like pastry and loose bits of meat, not sure what they are yet though....

However we have found theres not much cow left. Took us a year to finish it off, not bad. We will finish what little is left and might look at getting another 1/4 or 1/2 a cow soon. Definately a cheap way to buy meat, and the dogs really like getting all those bones. I will have to do some cooking too and get some ready made meals in there. I thought there was some lasagne left, but couldn't find any. Last batch was a bit weak in flavour too, definately more tomatoes in the next batch!

The puppies had a bath today! they are getting used to the regular bathing and don't even need a leash now when we bathe them in the back yard with the hose. Will have to do it in the tub with warm water when winter comes around though. Bought some seedling for the poor veggie patch. The seeds I planted, most of them came through. Except for were the dogs had dug through some of them. The seedlings are struggling a bit in the heat though, it must still be too hot here, I find they are all wilted by mid morning and need a thorough watering twice a day to keep them looking ok. Still no pumkin on the vine! I have tried hand pollenating even, but I sturggle to find a female flower, which is probably half the problem straight up. No female flowers means no pumpkins! Still I persevere and water it regularly hoping for some pumpkin.

I did buy 3 whole pumpkins from woolies though, they were on special, sothey are in a cool dark place waiting for use, I will keep an eye on them though, in case they go bad still. They should be ok with the skin unbroken for a while at least.

I have been trying to practisde my sewing more lately. I picked up a pattern for cheap, it was a childs dress, kind of simple looking, but I stuffed it up so bad I will have to start again! argh! Just goes to show I need the practice though. I did make a wrap around slip for a friend. It is very simple with a bit of elstic and velcro around the top, and the length came out really well as she can wear it as a dress or a long skirt if she wants. She is going to buy some more fabric to get me to make more I think. I just need to find the time.

Some new recipes for people wanting to cook at home!

Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 cup (250 mL) of water
2 cups (370 g) of sugar
2 cups (200 g) of milk powder
6 tbsp butter melted butter (although I used 3)
Place all ingredients in the blender and let it blend for a full two minutes. Bingo ... 'Condensed milk'*extra hint: Use hot water and dissolve the sugar before adding the other ingredients.Keep it refrigerated. Makes the equivalent to two tins and can be used in any recipe that calls for it.


120 cookies for about $5.00

500g margarine
1 tin condensed milk
1 cup sugar
5 cups self-raising flour
Cream sugar and margarine. Add condensed milk and flour. Roll into teaspoon sized balls and press down with a fork. Place on greased trays and bake in moderate oven until golden brown (approximately 10-15 minutes).

Before baking you can divide the mixture into five and add the following ingredients for different flavoured cookies:
1.Chocolate chips and glace cherries (chopped)
2.Cornflakes and sultanas
3.Hundreds and Thousands
4.Jam drops
5.Milo and coconut

Yum! I am making these ones tomorrow I think. Though I will only cook a few and freeze the rest of the dough raw, ready for unexpected guests! Mmm fresh cookies.