Treasures from afar...........

My Mum and Ray have recently returned from a glorious 6-week trip through the countrysides of France and Italy. (I'm not at all green about this, no, not at all........ ;)) They came to see us upon their return, and brought with them (among other things)......

For Stuart (medieval history buff)

For Elijah (our resident monkey and budding musician)

For Saraya (lover of all things "tiny"- she loves this little Pinnochio)

And me! (Carrier of nappies, wipes, changes of clothes, dummies, burping cloths, snacks, drinkbottles, oh, and my purse is in there somewhere........)

How fun to get presents!! Especially when they were specially chosen and have travelled so far to get to us.

We've had a nice Monday today. A quiet day at home, which was fitting as the weather was bleak- rainy and very very cold. I had the fireplace going all day, and the house is really toasty tonight! Elijah and I played lots of games together, made a cake, read books, did the folding, cooked tea, and he played the computer while I managed to finish "The Alchemist" (great ending). We also had 2 little friends come to play after school this afternoon which was lots of fun. Off to our toddler music group "Mainly Music" tomorrow. I'm hoping the weather is a little brighter so I feel inspired enough to walk outside! It would be nice to see the sun- cloudy days really make me appreciate it. :)

This bit is for Mum as she has asked for the recipe, though I would highly recommend it to anyone as it's my favourite cake to bake (and the one we made today!):

Applesauce Cake

Cream 1/2 cup shortening (veg oil or margerine) with 1 and a 1/2 cups of sugar. Add 2 well-beaten eggs, mix well. Mix in alternately 1 and 1/2 cups of applesauce and 2 and 1/2 cups of sifted plain flour, beating well after each addition. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Dissolve 1 teaspoon bicarb soda in 2 tablespoons of hot water, add and mix well. Fold in 1 cup of currants or sultanas, plus (optional) 1/2 cup chopped nuts.

Done! Pour into a greased round cake tin and bake in 180 degree oven for about 1 hour or until skewer comes out clean. I actually find 175 is a better temperature, but my oven is quite hot.

Mmmmm, enjoy... this cake is yummy and spicey in the Winter.