An interesting Sunday arvo...

So, our Sunday afternoon drive through the dunes turned into a bit of excitement when we got a bit bogged!

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 This picture above is looking back at the sticky bit of beach we got stuck on and the heavy tracks we left as we got out.  It was quite hairy as the water was coming up to the tyres.  Fortunately, we hadn't bottomed out so Gus just let air out of the tyres (down to 12psi), we pushed Ruby back a bit and made a runway then he just gunned it and got out...
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Winter beach driving can be perilous along this coastline as high seas come right up to the dry sand dunes along the beach and where we normally drive on dry sand, this sand was wet and very boggy.
We also broke the rule of going 4WDriving alone.  Another vehicle would have been able to pull us out if necessary.  Fortunately, Gus is an experienced 4WDer and knew what to do...we could have let the tyres right down to 6psi if needed.  In dire trouble, we could have put plant foliage, sticks and driftwood under tyres to gain traction.  No needed in this case.  Phew!
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We went along a bit and came to another boggy patch. 

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With nowhere to go but forward, Gus surveyed the situation before giving it a rip roaring go and got through this bit too.  We stayed out of the vehicle and ran up behind when he was clear of the bog.

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The beach has so much seaweed which has washed up in the rough seas...

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This is the same stretch of beach, a few summers back - it is like a highway here!

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When we were well in the clear, it was time for a glass of bubbles!  We needed it by then!

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We then made our way through to McIntyre's Beach, one of our favourite spots.  The sea was very rough and again, the beach was littered with debris from ships that toss their rubbish over the side.  So much plastic!

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Then it was a slow trip back home after our adventure.  We had Gus's mum on board, not sure if she'll come for another drive in the dunes with us! Lol!

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Once Gus got Ruby washed down (to get rid of the salt water underneath her) Gus prepared a Beer Can Chicken.  Rubbed with spices then sat upon a tall beer can, she roasted away until browned and crispy.

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We lit the fire and toasted our toes...

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We enjoyed a beautiful roast chicken dinner...
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...and for dessert, those strawberries in Cointreau, chocolate topping and vanilla icecream...

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A great end to a fun day!

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Cheers - Joolz xx

Zooming through June...

More warming meals, this time with Bri at a pub in MtG...

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She's been busy crocheting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - so cute! 

We had a delicious butter chicken during the week, a Julie Goodwin recipe that had so much taste and flavour.

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Apple and rhubarb crumble, sooo good!

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The fixings for tacos...

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I did chicken and bean ones this time...

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We dined out on Saturday night at the Tasting Room, Mayua Station...

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I've made bread rolls for dinner...

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...and I've prepped everything for our beer can chicken Sunday night dinner. Veggies cut up, gravy made, spice rub mixed, strawberries marinating in Cointreau.

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Stay tuned to Part 2 - it got interesting!

Cheers - Joolz xx

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Lovely weekend...

This is a pretty food heavy post...

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We arrived late into Adelaide.  The kids had this yummy chicken dish ready for the oven ...

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Saturday morning I made these White choc and raspberry cookies for Bri to take to work and share with her nurse friends...

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I watched Kirby play netball in the afternoon.  The rain held off but it was very cold for the last quarter.

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Out for dinner at Antica Pizzeria & Cucina ...

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This was a metre long pizza, served to the guest at the table beside ours - it's huge!
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We had arancini balls and squid...
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Me, playing the fool!
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Delish!
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Beautiful tender gnocchi and a lovely, light sauced pork and tomato pasta...
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Tiramisu for Kirby...
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Bri had Affogato...
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Boring old me had my favourite Creme Brulee.  We had a lovely evening.
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On Sunday, I got baking and made a loaf of Chadd's bread - this recipe is so good.  I've made it with my stand mixer and just by hand (like this) and it gives a nice soft loaf and lovely bread rolls.  Do use the bread improver as per the recipe.
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Always turns out perfect...
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I made
 Clinkers Slice
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I also made a Date and walnut loaf for Kirby to take in to her work...
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Phew!  And finally, for dinner I made a chicken and corn mornay which we had in vol au vents...
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Bri came home with me on Monday so she's here for the week...
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I walked into our bathroom (I don't use this one much as we have an ensuite) and found my winter cactus in full bloom!  So pretty!
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So that is me up to date.  It's cold and wet here today so I can't wait to get home from work, cook dinner (parmesan crusted lamb steaks, mashed potato and broccoli/cauliflower cheese bake) and settle in for MasterChef. That'll nearly do me!
Cheers - Joolz xx

Winter is on it's way...

We've had some cold days, sunny days and then this morning it was positively freezing but now it's a beautiful sunny day.

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We lit our outdoor fire last Sunday and toasted our toes for a few hours...

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Dinners this week have included some lovely whiting fillets that were given to us.  I made a lemon sauce to go over them...

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Chicken pot pies...

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Chicken schnitzel with white gravy and veg...

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It's so nice to be able to hang washing on the line to dry after a few wet days...

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I'm still cross stitching when I can sneak a few minutes...

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Last night I made Massaman beef curry, delicious!

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I t doesn't photograph very well, looks more like dog food but it was really delicious!
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Strawberries, icecream and choccy topping for dessert!

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We're off to see the girls this weekend - happy mama bear! I hope you have a lovely weekend too!

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Cheers - Joolz xx