Caryl

No. My family were going to go to Pelorus for a picnic but dad is not well today and they decided it is too hot so suggested I join them for a picnic in the living room in front of the aircon 8) They will be over here later for tea, which will be leftovers from lunch.

Everyone likes an excuse to have a holiday and eat too much. Christmas provides the opportunity. Am home alone today as Grant got called out (good payout for that!).

Merry Christmas to you all. I hope you enjoy yourselves and keep safe. :cr8:

I'm not a photographer but it seems to me I can see an improvement as you get the hang of the lens. I really like the first of those two pics.

I warned Grant yesterday that if I did not give him a trim, someone would mistake him for Santa. I doubt it will happen though unless his head hair goes as silver as the beard and it doesn't look like that is going to happen any time soon - except for some slight silver above the ears.

So will I once they have been iced and/or decorated :happy2:

Perhaps there is sound but you, as a male, weren't listening :sml1: Actually, it was the closest smiley I could find that best fit the original post and not particularly apt. It actually took me a while to realise what was happening in the animation, even with my glasses on. Feel free to continue to feel sorry for him cos he ain't gonna win no matter what he does :facepalm: :gigl:

and very delicious it looks too! I have just baked banoffi cupcakes :love:

I particularly like the unfurling water sprite and the clouds.

I have plenty of odessas if you want some Joe, once the whitepot has gone.

Unlike the majority (except puffers) who always look depressed!

I think you are reading a bit too much into it LA. If he had listened to what she asked for in the first place he wouldn't have this problem :roll: :slfg:

I posted a photo - in another thread somewhere

Made the meringue nests. Now to fill with custard, whipped cream and fruit :happy1:

and here is a better, and more delicious alternative to Aunt Betty's pudding (bigger too!!!) LITE STICKY DATE PUDDING 1 ½ C dates, chopped (you can now buy packets of pre-chopped dates :happy1: ) 1 ½ C water 1 tsp vanilla essence 2 tsp baking soda 90g reduced spread (or butter) ½ C brown sugar 2 eggs 1 ½ C SR flour Pre-heat oven to 180°. Coat a 12 muffin tin with cooking spray. Chop dates and place in a medium saucepan with water, for 5 minutes or until soft. Stir in vanilla essence and bicarbonate of soda. Allow to cool slightly. Beat together low fat spread and sugar till pale and creamy. Gradually add eggs. Stir in cooled date mixture. Fold in flour. Spoon evenly into prepared muffin tin. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puddings spring back when lightly touched. Cool in tin for 5 minutes. Serve warm with low fat ice cream and drizzle with low joule caramel topping or whatever fat versions you prefer . If I remember rightly, this actually makes more than 12 muffin sized puddings.

This one has always been a favourite in our family and requested on all special occasions... CHIFFON CAKE Ingredients; 1 pkt Super Wine biscuits (or plain Girl Guide biscuits do a good job too), crushed 140g melted butter 4 eggs (yolks separated from whites) 1/2 C sugar 1 C sugar juice of 1 lemon 1 Tbs gelatine small can crushed pineapple, well drained Mix together biscuits melted butter. Press into a 20cm (approx) square tin lined high with baking paper. Put in the fridge while you do the next bit. In a pot beat; 4 egg yolks ½ C sugar lemon juice Heat slowly until mix leaves the sides of a wooden spoon. DO NOT BOIL. Take off the heat and add the gelatine dissolved in a little water. In a bowl, beat the 4 egg whites until stiff. Fold in 1 C sugar & beat. Add to the custard mixture & mix until an even pale yellow colour. Pour over the biscuit base & put back in the fridge to set. Top with whipped cream & well drained, crushed, pineapple. Although called a "cake" it really need to be eaten with a spoon rather than try to pick it up in your fingers as it is sticky.

This will upset the trifle purists but Grant and I do not drink alcohol so there will be none in the trifle - just orange juice

While he is doing that, I have whipped up a batch of meringue nests :thup: I can use the egg yolks in the custard for the trifle. :happy2:

But they haven't all sourced their fish from them.

Or contact a vet first and check if they would prefer a sick but live specimen. The vet may also be able to give an idea of costs involved as it isn't cheap.

How can you do an autopsy on something before it dies???

Nope, he hates water. My pond is safe at least! :slfg:

Would it not be a good idea for someone to get an official autopsy done on a dead specimen? This would surely help find out what it is.

Walking past the laundry, I noticed Denny sitting in the tub. No idea why! :dunno: This pic doesn't show that he actually has lovely blue eyes.