Photo joy!

Hi all,

It has been a while since last we spoke... or, I wrote in my blog and you all read, rapt and eager like little bunnies (hmm, even I don't get that reference!)

Okay, so what's happened since last we met? well, i have been up and down oxford st (LOTS of people), have arrived in Glasgow, joined my tour (old, old people, my friends. gotta love the American retiree... boy do they know how to complain - and yes, i appreciate the irony of my complaining about complainers!), run around glasgow, lost my umbrella, bought a new umbrella (love that £1 shop!), finally found a raincoat, had dinner and drinks with the old people, went for a walk, next day got on the bus, drove to robert burns memorial park thingy (does anyone know what he wrote? was it the poem anne of green gables was obsessed about?), went to gretna green, was unimpressed by the commercial nature of it all, then on to carlisle castle, then to the hotel, took awesome photos of this massive train bridge, had dinner, tried to ignore the noise from the wedding that was holding a reception in the hotel (it was very loud - and the band was terrible!), next day hadrian's wall, back into scotland, abbotsford house which was the home of Sir Walter Scott (knew some of his stuff!), then on to Edinburgh!

Last night, the fringe was still on so managed to get tix for half-price (bonus!) to a show. It was a bellydancing thing, which was actually quite good! enjoyed the dancing, and the monologues were good too (it was diaries from cairo, or something like that).

Today, we had a sightseeing tour of Edinburgh which took us to where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle lived, where the guy who developed Chloroform for medicinal use lived, and the two castles. Edinburgh Castle was awesome, and it's built into the volcanic rock mountain... stunning! Holyrood Palace is still used by the royal family and is a much more recent addition to the city.

It's amazing how gothic this city is. All the architecture seems to be in that style, and the grey sandstone, made that way after centuries of smog and pollution, adds to the impression. It's is such a cool city, but I must admit I am missing the sunshine a bit!

Oh, and I've gotten my photos to work! Check em out at Picasa!

Still no photos...

Well, what a splendifirous time I am having! It is so knarley here in the UK. I have finally found that special "Oh my god, I'm no longer in Oz, I am so in the UK, oh my god, there's Tower Bridge!!!" (which I thought was London Bridge but apparently, no). I also experienced this feeling when seeing Big Ben in the distance, which was difficult as it was raining and very misty... so through the mist, I saw the Houses of Parliament. Heh.

So wandered around there, got drenched, tried to go to the toilet, it cost 50p so stuff that. Found a pub for lunch (FREE toilet), wandered down to Trafalger Square, didn't feed the birds for tuppance a bag, wandered past Downing Street (there's a gate on it! with cops and everything!), went back to Westminster Abbey, did the tour (too many dead people - it was quite eerie), then went to the parliament houses tour but big ben was closed for repairs, so no tour of him. Bugger!

With very sore feet, I met Vanessa after she finished work and we took amusing photos out the front of the Globe Theatre. Then caught the tube to Leicester Square, bought tix to Chicago and watched a show in the West End! It was tres exciting!

Today, I'm going shopping on Oxford Street and checking out Harrods. Am so going to get that Harrods bag so I can swan around Ads.

Until the next exciting thing happens... or I can find a place to upload photos...

Merry old England

I'm here! I arrived at the ungodly hour of 5am this morning, after an apparently super quick flight which I mostly slept through (I know, I'm blessed) to arrive in a very uninteresting Heathrow Airport, which looked way too much like the Lyell McEwan hospital for comfort (not the snazzy new bit, but the back bit the plebs work in. Oh yes, I so have insider knowledge about the lyell mac).

Anyway, made myself a bit more presentable and then headed on to brave customs. Um, hello? Customs? Are you there? I think it's all just an imaginary concept. No one threatened me with bodily harm, or had me dump my underwear all over a stainless steel table. I feel as if I missed out, really.

I got into the arrivals area at around 6am local time which was way before 10am (well, duh) and thus so the wrong time to head in to the city to meet Vanessa for lunch. So I tried to twiddle my thumbs but the arrivals area of Heathrow has nothing there. It was tres disappointing. I was expecting trapeze artists and fire breathers at the very least.

I managed to wander around for about an hour before succumbing to the inevitable. I hopped the tube and made my way in to the city and London Bridge Station (not that it's really near the bridge... but I hope to see it one day!) I contacted Vanessa, we arranged to meet, I stuck my foot in a pot hole. A tiny little pot hole, no bigger than a bread and butter plate (in fact, I think it was even smaller), but so deep that I sank up to my knee. Needless to say, I provided amusement for the hoards of tourists lined up to enter "The London Dungeon" (It looked a bit like the Night Train, except ghost ride-ier). Finally met Vanessa, gave her her pressies, which she loved (or, at least, she told me she loved - don't disillusion me, Vanessa!) and then made my way to her place. Met her flatmate's friend who is also visiting from Adelaide and proceeded to settle myself in. I have now wandered down to the picturesque main street (it so looks like an English village thing!) and am typing for you, dear friends. Awesome fun times, is it not?

I was going to attempt to post some piccies I've taken but I think the internet cafe has conspired against such an action. No doubt I will find a way around it sooner or later...

Speak to ya all soon!

In Singapore, the water goes the other way...

Greetings from overseas! I am officially out of the country and chillin like a villian in Changi Airport, where, my wordy, they just have everything! It is gosh darn amazing, that's for sure. They have rainforests!!! Inside!!! Certainly puts dear old Adelaide to shame. Although, we do have the coopers store, so suffer, Changi!

I spent a very amusing flight watching the free online movies. Shrek 3 - meh. Disturbia - suprisingly good. Was also served two meals, which was awesome. So don't need to eat now! However, my lips and skin now feel super dry... gotta love that air conditioning!

I now get to spend a cool five hours hanging out in this amazing airport. I have decided to check out the movie theatre - I get a free pass! Oh, and the alcohol. Unbelievably cheap. Must check with the staff to see if can take a massive 1.5l bottle of gin on the flight... it's only $28 singapore. That's, like, not much Oz! (Yeah, so can't work these things out in my head).

Anyhoo, hope you guys are all well and there will be more updates of this exciting nature as the journey progresses.

ps, the water really does go the other way! And we're only just above the equator! It's all very exciting!

Jerusalems - mmm, falafel...

The farewell dinner has come and gone and it was fabulous! Much food and frivolity was had, and Kel & Bretty gave me a lovely going away pressie! Plus, free beer. What more could you possibly want?

Check out the photos at Picasa.

Blogged with Flock

The Saga of Krispy Kreme continued...

Well, if you make them to the recipe, the Krispy Kreme doughnuts work out pretty darn close! Who would have thought that following the recipe would produce a successful product?

That's just weird.

Wierd.

Hmm.

Isn't it weird how the word weird never looks like it's spelt right?

Pondorous issues are addressed daily on this blog. Oh yes, they are.

More food

Because these are bound to be awesome if made exactly to the recipe specs... the glaze was a humdinger, let me tell you!

Krispy Kreme Copycat

DOUGHNUTS:
2 pkgs. yeast
1/4 cup water (105-115 degrees)
1-1/2 cups lukewarm milk (scalded, then cooled)
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/3 cup shortening
5 cups all-purpose flour
vegetable oil

CREAMY GLAZE:
1/3 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla
4–6 tbl. hot water

CHOCOLATE FROSTING:
1/3 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla
4–6 tbl. hot water
4 ounces milk chocolate chips or semisweet chocolate chips

Dissolve yeast in warm water in 2-1/2-quart bowl. Add milk,salt,eggs, shortening and 2 cups flour. Beat on low for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in remaining flour until smooth. Cover and let rise until double, 50-60 minutes. (Dough is ready when indentation remains when touched.)

Turn dough onto floured surface; roll around lightly to coat with flour. Gently roll dough 1/2-inch thick with floured rolling pin. Cut with floured doughnut cutter. Cover and let rise until double, 30-40 minutes.

Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350 degrees. Slide doughnuts into hot oil with wide spatula. Turn doughnuts as they rise to the surface. Fry until golden brown, about 1 minute on each side. Remove carefully from oil (do not prick surface); drain.

Dip the doughnuts into creamy glaze set on rack; when slightly cooled spread chocolate frosting on top.

CREAMY GLAZE:Heat butter until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.

CHOCOLATE FROSTING: Heat butter and chocolate over low heat until chocolate is melted. Remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in water 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.

More digital revolution...

The digital revolution is becoming grander all the time. I'm kind of scared by its progression, actually. Imagine what it's going to be like in 20 years... I still remember playing Granny's Garden on the ooooollllllddddd computers back in primary school. Now, however, you can do so much with your computer it's not funny. Well, maybe it is. Just a little. Okay, a lot. I'm constantly amazed by all the new stuff I'm discovering!

I've just been perusing a site called twitter. It allows you to update people on your movements via your mobile, instant message or vial their website. Really, it would make mass stalking so easy! :) Or just report on people's really inane lives - I mean, do I need to know that someone's bus was just 20 mins late and they are pissed off about it? That's the quality you can expect, people!

It's two weeks exactly until I leave for the big adventure! So exciting! Today, I am purchasing an iPod with my ill gotten gains (well, my voucher from work for putting up with AET for five years. It's been... interesting, but hey, I get a voucher out of it!) I'm planning on getting the 80mb you beaut iPod... it will hold a billion songs, a million tv shows and a trillion photos. Well, maybe not that many, but still, quite a few! It will be beautiful and black, much like the picture on the side there... mainly because it's a picture of a black iPod. Still, I will be able to play play play, listen to my awesome music choices, watch tv during the five hour layover in Singapore, and ultimately get it stolen in Italy by gypsies (true story... although it was a wallet, not an iPod, and it didn't happen to me, but someone else... so really, so not relevant)

And there you have it. My whinge about technology really isn't worth a passel of slightly salty salt-substitute (ground, not rock) if I can get so exciting about an iPod!

BBQ City... oh how we love thee

Last night, BBQ City goodness was had... mmm, such yummy food! It's gotten to the stage where we don't even have to look at the menu, we just order the faves... but who can go past those nummy green beans with salted olives... *drools all over the keyboard, short circuits it and has to explain to the IT Dept what happened*

Anyway, cos I'm such a lovely friend, I documented the experience for our London pal, Miss Vanessa. She is feeling the BBQ City blues most intensely. Vanessa, this is for you!

See the rest of the photos at Picasa!

Magnolia Cupcakes...

Okay, because I talked them up...

Makes about 2 dozen cupcakes (depending on the size of your cupcake papers and muffin tins)

CUPCAKES:

1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

ICING:
Vanilla Buttercream (recipe follows) or Chocolate Buttercream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake papers.
In a small bowl, combine the flours. Set aside.
In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated but do not overbeat. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl to make sure the ingredients are well blended. Carefully spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about three-quarters full. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center of the cupcake comes out clean.
Cool the cupcakes in the tins for 15 minutes. Remove from the tins and cool completely on a wire rack before icing. Ice the cupcakes with either Vanilla Buttercream or Chocolate Buttercream.

Note: If you would like to make a layer cake instead of cupcakes, divide the batter between two 9-inch round cake pans and bake the layers for 30-40 minutes.
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Vanilla Buttercream
Makes enough for one 2-layer 9-inch cake or 2 dozen cupcakes*
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
6 to 8 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Place the butter in a large mixing bowl. Add 4 cups of the sugar and then the milk and vanilla. On the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes. Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition (about 2 minutes), until the icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency. You may not need to add all of the sugar. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly. (Use and store the icing at room temperature because icing will set if chilled.) Icing can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

*Note: If you are icing a 3-layer cake, use the following recipe proportions: 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter 8 to 10 cups confectioners’ sugar 3/4 cup milk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

The arrival of a calendar... and a digital revolution

For your viewing pleasure, I've managed to figure out, using all the little bits and pieces of my brain, how to put Google calendar on my blog! You should see it on the toolbar to the right... hopefully. So now you can check out where I'm supposed to be each day I'm away and if I'm not there, you can so point your finger and accuse me of lying! Think of the fun and frivolity inherent in that!

On to the digital revolution. Am I the only one who hasn't really heard of Facebook? Apparently it is all that and a packet of chips. Better than MySpace! Better than those awesome Magnolia Cupcakes! Just... Better!! Anyway, I had a bit of a squiz around but I must be the most unsocial geek (is that an oxymoron?) out there cos I can't see the attraction. I mean, I'll join up (pshaw, as if I wouldn't!) but I just can't see myself using it. Of course, I could be completely wrong and I'll be on there constantly, so much so that I'll be all gross and pale (well, paler) from lack of sun, my nails will grow all long and skanky and a weird smell with eminate from me, which I will so blame on the dog (not that I have a dog - note to self, purchase a dog).

I've also been informed of del.i.cious (I think that's how it's spelt), which is a bookmarking system for you browser that connects you to other people who have also bookmarked the site. You can then peruse their other bookmarks and see if there's a site you've never heard of on there concerning the same subject. It sounds great for researching purposes! And to prove just how far behind the times I am, I went on TVGuide.com for my daily checkup and found that you can link the site to all of these bookmarking things, including del.i.cious, which I'd only heard of last night.

Seriously. I feel old. Stupid digital revolution.

UPDATE: Told you I'd sign up...hmm, I don't think you can see it unless you are a member. Well, that's sucky!