Photo Challenge - ORANGE

I have joined Brenda's Photo Challenge. I found it while roaming through some of the blogs that I read. The orange challenge was issued by Miz Joni. Have a look at the links from their sites to the other participants in the challenge. Can't wait for the next one :-)

This is the back view of a stilt walker at the Winter Magic Festival in Katoomba. The orange wings were stunning when the sun caught them.

The afternoon that I signed up for the photo challenge, I was driving home and caught sight of this glorious riot of orange. I had to race home and grab the camera before the sun set. Well worth the rush. Imagine that sight in your front yard every day while it's in flower.

This is a close-up of the floral hedge. The depth of colour is glorious. It is winter here and I was lucky to find these flowers.

Magic Festival

Tegan and I in the main street of Katoomba

My sister Andy and I at the top of Katoomba's main street

On Saturday, my sister Andy, my oldest daughter Tegan and myself went up to Katoomba to soak in the sights and sounds of the annual Winter Magic Festival. As usual, there were lots of fantastic costumes and wonderful people. Tegan had never been before and didn't know were to look next.

I bought the hat that I'm wearing in the photos and a couple of recycled tops, and gloves for Tony and Shelby. Tegan got herself lots of badges, a CD from a band playing there and a celtic-style cross pendant (needless to say, she owes me money). On the way home we stopped at Glenbrook and I bought the most wonderful candle that makes the house smell like I've just baked sticky date pudding. Absolutely scrumptious!!

For more photos of the parade, visit my Flickr page.

Cheesy Pizza Muffins

I hosted an inservice at work on Monday and they loved my muffins. If you are looking for something quick, easy and savoury for a morning or afternoon tea, or just for snacks, then try these. My oldest girl loves taking them to school :-)

Ingredients

1 red capsicum
2 1/2 c S.R. flour
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/4 c milk
1/3 c olive oil (you can use vegetable oil too)
1/2 c grated tasty cheese
1/4 c parmesan cheese
1/3 c finally chopped seeded black olives
1/3 c drained chopped sun-dried tomatoes
2 T chopped basil
2 t chopped rosemary
1/4 c grated tasty cheese, extra

Method

1. Grease muffin pans well. Quarter capsicum, remove seeds and membrane. Grill capsicum, skin side up, until skin blisters and blackens. Peel skin away, cut capsicum into strips.
2. Sift flour unto large bowl, stir in eggs, milk, cheeses, olives, tomatoes, herbs and half the capsicum.
3. Spoon mixture into prepared pans, top with remaining capsicum strips, sprinkle with extra cheese. Bake in a moderately hot oven for 20-25 minutes.

This recipe will make about 2 dozen cup-cake size muffins or 1 dozen large muffins.

You can also add a little cooked, chopped bacon if you feel the need for meat.

Paper and Parasol Swap

At last I downloaded the photos of what I received in the Paper and Parasol swap. My two girls have already found homes for the parasols in their rooms :-) and I have put my pretty paper with my other papers ready for when inspiration strikes. Holidays in three weeks - must make time for some play!

Have a good weekend!

The library witch wishes you all a good weekend!

June Long Weekend

We escaped the rain and clouds of Sydney for a weekend of camping along the Bridle Trail - the original road out to Hill End (near Bathurst). We had a great time camping, relaxing, reading (that was me) and enjoyed a nice pub lunch in Hill End on the Sunday. We had a visitor in the camp site each night - a fox that liked to steal the dog bowl and sniff through the beer bottles. We spotlighted him a number of times amongst the tents and caravans. Shelby entertained Tegan and Lucas by inventing scary stories to tell them - little did they know that the fox was outside the tent. The only downside was the long trip back down the mountain on Monday. Now Tuesday and I'm back at work looking out the window at the rain.

Our camp site along the river

Sitting around the fire

Tegan and her boyfriend Lucas

Shelby

The view along the Bridle Track on the way to Hill End

Shelby and me at the Hill End pub

Me by the river on the way back from the pub - afternoon tea stop

Shelby again - at the river

On our way home

Girls Weekend in Coogee

My little sister, Andrea, two friends - Audra and Jenni- and myself headed off to Coogee for the weekend to celebrate Andy's birthday. First stop was Paddington markets where we had lunch and picked up a few pretties. I can never resist jewellery and bought a gorgeous beaded bracelet. I also got a silk velvet jacket with purple lace around the collar - still not sure about the lace; may replace it. I also bought the most hideous witch mask. It will a great addition to my dress-ups for work.

Andrea, Audra and Jenni at Paddington Markets

Andy as the Wicked Witch

We then checked in to a lovely two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment a block back from Coogee beach and had cosmopolitans on the balcony. Then off to dinner at an Italian restaurant and then some pool and dancing. After midnight pizza back at the apartment and a chat, off to sleep. Next morning we enjoyed breakfast at a cafe down the road and then off home.

A GREAT weekend! Thanks girls :-)

Me, Jenni, Audra and Andy off to dinner

Andy playing pool with Jenni