Normanhurst RS News

Cooking Group update

2009-10-01T12:37:00.003+10:00

The cooking group will now be a quarterly meeting so the last one for this year will be in November, held at Trish Brown's house:

Grandma's Traditional Pudding
and
Creative Sandwich Fillers
(to excite those tired lunchboxes)

let me know if you have any questions
Suzi Perryman

Cooking Group - July Recipes

2009-07-29T20:03:00.002+10:00

Thank you so much Michele for hosting this months cooking group. It was fabulous! Here are the recipes:

Flour Tortillas - Makes 16, 8 inch tortillas

6 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup lard (cooking margarine - softened)
2 1/2 cups warm water

Mix together flour, baking powder and salt. Add softened margarine. Turn the mixer on low and slowly pour in the water. Mix well. It may be sticky, if so, gradually add small amounts of flour until you can handle it without a lot of stickiness.

Scrape the dough out of the bowl onto a floured surface. Divide dough into 2. Cover them with plastic wrap and set aside to rest at room temp for about 20 mins (VERY important to follow this step).

Now divide each half into 8 equal portions. You will now have 16 equal portions. Lightly flour the work surface and rolling pin. Roll each ball into an 8 inch round. Stack the rounds on a baking sheet with baking paper inbetween each. Let them rest for 10 mins.

Heat frying pan to a medium heat and lightly coat with vegetable oil cooking spray. Cook tortillas approx 1 min each side or until brown spots appear on the surface. You can keep them warm inside the kitchen towel.

Mexican Rice

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup long grain rice
1/2 chopped brown onion
1 clove garlic - minced
1 chopped fresh tomato
2 1/2 cups chicken broth

Heat oil in large skillet or pot. Add rice and cook over med heat stirring constantly until puffed and golden.
Push the rice to one side, add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is soft. Add tomato and cook briefly until soft. Stir to mix rice into the mixture.
Add chicken broth, bring to boil and reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 25 mins or until all liquid is absorbed. Toss lightly with a fork before serving.

Basic Shredded Meat

This filling may be used to fill tacos, enchiladas, flautas, burritos or top tostadas.

2 kilos beef (chuck steak cut into 2 inch cubes)
Salt
Oregano
Cumin
1/2 chopped brown onion
1 clove garlic - minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Place the meat in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until tender.
Allow the meat to cool in the broth until easy to handle.

Remove the meat and discard any fatty pieces. The meat may be shredded to using your fingers or two forks.

After shredding the meat, add salt to taste and a dash of oregano and cumin. Mix together.

Saute onion and garlic in oil. Cook until soft. Add the shredded meat and cook, stirring until heated through.

Mexican Flan - Rich Egg Custard

Preheat the oven to 180C

8 large eggs
9 tablespoons castor sugar
1 cup whole milk
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup thickened cream
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspooon cinnamon

In a large bowl, use mixer to beat together eggs and sugar. Make sure the sugar is well dissolved. Add whole milk, cream and evap milk. Blend well.
Add vanilla and cinnamon then mix well.
Pour mixture into an oven proof dish or small individual dishes. Place the baking dishes in a large baking pan with about an inch of water.

Bake in a hot water bath until done. Takes about 1 hour.
Butter knife should come out clean.

Cooking Group - July 14th

2009-07-08T10:00:00.002+10:00

July Cooking Group

Michele Boyle's Home
7:30pm

mmmmmMMMMMMmmmm! MEXICAN

Please contact either Michele or Suzi Perryman to confirm your attendance.

August 8th Enrichment

2009-07-04T20:46:00.003+10:00

This is going to be a great night! Sat, 8th August at 6.30pm, Normanhurst Chapel

Colour and Figure Analysis Class with Sister Richardson

Which shade of red suits you?
Do you suit green?
Can you wear bright colours?
Which colours noticeably reduce the appearance of lines on your face?
Which colours make your eyes sparkle?
Find out the answers to these questions and more in this fun and informative seminar. She will offer personalised consultations if time allows.

Hands-On Service Projects

We will be finishing off trauma teddies for children living in a women’s refuge. These bears will be donated to a women’s refuge in South Africa. Many hands make light work so come and be a part of this wonderful project.

All sisters will be assigned to bring a small (freezable) casserole, soup or risotto to the Enrichment Night. These meals will be frozen and on hand for our compassionate service leaders to give when needed. Sisters who are unable to prepare a small meal can bring a plate of supper for us to share on the evening. Please indicate on our sign-up sheet which you will be bringing.
The Young Women are welcome to attend with their mothers. For more information just ask Catherine or Carli.

We invite all Relief Society sisters to continue as “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22), making the spirit of charitable service a part of our lives.

Winter Reading List!

2009-07-04T20:37:00.002+10:00

It's been ages since I've updated out reading list here. This is what we're reading for the rest of the year...

July - The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (book and movie)
August - The Secret Life of Bees
September - Standing for Something: The Biography of Ardeth Kapp
October - Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park
November - Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult
December - Favourite Christmas stories, customs and treats

Flippin' Pizza Pics

2009-06-21T09:08:00.006+10:00

THANKS SO MUCH! To Stacy and Lisha for last month's cooking group.

Crispy Chocolate Merangues
(click above for recipe on Lisha's cooking blog)

Cooking Group - June 9th

2009-05-24T21:14:00.003+10:00

Flippin' Pizzas!

June Cooking group will be held at Stacy Hutchinson's home.

We'll be learning how to throw/toss/twirl pizza dough
(recipe from April's book Animal Vegetable Miracle)

Plus
Something special from Lisha Walker -tba

Cooking Group - May 12th

2009-05-03T09:27:00.004+10:00

Pho Ngon Vietnamese Restaurant
10 Florence St
Hornsby

(02) 9477 6300‎

phongon.com.au

Join us! 7:30pm

Talk to Suzi Perryman for more info

Cooking Group - April 14th

2009-03-25T19:16:00.003+11:00

Breakfast and Brunches
with Carli Jeffrey

Tuesday 14th April
at the Jeffrey home

It's Polka-dot Party time!

2009-02-25T19:43:00.002+11:00

You’re invited to a
Polka dot Party
To celebrate Relief Society's 167th Birthday

Join us at Normanhurst Chapel
On Friday, the 20th March
@ 7:30pm
And get to know the lovely sisters of
Normanhurst Ward

Cupcake decorating class
Gift wrapping demonstrations
Polka dot Fashion Parade
Fun games
Dessert taster plates and ideas for entertaining

Come along and have some fun
Remember to dress DOTTY !

Cooking Group - March 10th

2009-02-23T22:06:00.006+11:00

March Cooking Group

Tuesday 10th at 7:30pm
Maryanne Baker's Home
Desserts!

April - Carli Jeffrey

Book Group News

2009-02-09T13:26:00.005+11:00

This month we will be discussing:

at Maryanne's place on the 17th Feb at 7.30pm. Joy is leading the discussion. Everyone welcome, even if you haven't read this wonderful book.

In March we'll be reading:

In April we'll be reading:

In May we'll be reading:

If you have any ?s just give me a call.

Cooking Group

2009-02-08T10:44:00.000+11:00

Starting in March.

We're still eager for more offers for the year, so if you have a favourite dish or know a thing or two in the kitchen then let me know!

Health Food Order Open

2009-02-08T10:31:00.002+11:00

Hi All,
Contact me if you'd like to purchase some goods in this month's bulk order. Our supplier now has a range of non-dairy milk and other goodies for your 3month storage (nuts and dried fruit etc)

Longer term items for foil pouches are still available. Here are the top sellers:
Flour
Chickpeas
Kidney beans
Rolled Oats
Cocoa Powder
Sugar

CLOSE DATE 27TH FEB

ready for cleaning?

2008-12-14T19:13:00.003+11:00

In the new year our ward is in charge of the Saturday cleaning again at the chapel.

RS is first up in January, and we have started passing the roster around.

If you can find the time to help out, this is most helpful. We need at least 3 sisters each Saturday.

Pre-Christmas delivery!!

2008-12-13T22:47:00.004+11:00

Congratulations to Suzi and Steve for the safe arrival of their baby boy on Thursday 11th!

Suzi and baby came home from hospital today and are doing well.

The little one does not have a name yet, but negotiations are taking place :)

Keeping the stork busy!!

2008-11-25T13:02:00.002+11:00

Congratulations to Jackie and Kendall on the birth of little Monet yesterday.

Jackie and Monet are doing fine and will be coming home from hospital today.

We look forward to meeting the little one and welcoming her to the ward!

How's your food storage?

2008-11-15T11:02:00.000+11:00

"The time will come when gold will hold no comparison in value to a bushel of wheat."

Brigham Young, JD,1943 ed. 1:250 p.29

Dieter Uchtdorf on creating

2008-11-12T13:03:00.001+11:00

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before. Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty. Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mould it into something of beauty.

You might say, 'I'm not the creative type. When i sing, i’m always half a tone above or below the note. I cannot draw a line without a ruler and the only practical use for my homemade bread is as a paperweight or as a doorstop.' If that is how you feel, think again, and remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative being in the universe. Isn’t it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination. If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation—not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them.

You may think you don’t have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us. The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colourful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter."

Cooking Group - Nov 11th

2008-11-06T09:06:00.004+11:00

Hi All,

We're venturing out to a Korean Restaurant for this month's cooking group.
Meeso on Edgeworth David Avenue. We'll be meeting there at around 7pm, please let me know if you're coming so I can book.

Thanks
Suzi

December:
Sharon Mitchell's Home

TRUNK OF TREAT!!!

2008-11-01T20:44:00.003+11:00

Here are a few pictures from last night's trunk or treat Primary activity. Thanks so much for all that attended and brought treats to pass out to the kids. It was a huge success...already looking forward to next year!!!

Book Group Matters

2008-10-31T12:10:00.001+11:00

Just three things:

For November book group on the 18th we will NOW be meeting at Trish's house in Wahroonga (I'll give finer details closer to the date). There is a list of the 101 people talked about in Nov's book at this website. There are also a few copies of the book circulating.

Carmen found out about a film called 'Walk to Beautiful' which will be screening at Roseville Cinemas next Thurday night about Dr Hamlin and her fistula patients. All the details can be found here if you're interested in going.

Carmen also has a few copies of December's book if you are interested in buying on off her - cost $10. See her if you need a copy.

That's it.

Trunk or Treat

2008-10-23T15:04:00.004+11:00

As promised last year.....

Primary are organising a Trunk or Treat activity at Normanhurst

Halloween - 31/10 at 6.30 pm

Dress up your car and yourselves (no masks)

Bring your kids, some friends, friends' kids etc

Come prepared for a fun evening!

PS... Don't forget the treats!.... (thanks, Lisha.... !)

RS Broadcast and lunch

2008-10-16T16:06:00.001+11:00

Venue - Baulkham Hills
Time - 1pm for the pre-broadcast lunch
2pm for the broadcast

See you there!!

The stork has landed

2008-10-13T14:31:00.001+11:00

Congratulations to Soozi and Carl on the safe arrival of a beautiful baby boy on Saturday..... name yet to be decided on!

Cooking Group - October 14th

2008-10-06T18:09:00.007+11:00

This month is a bit of a chill out session.
There won't be a demonstration on the night, though you will need to pre-make your favourite Halloween treat and recipe to share. It'll be good to get some ideas for home made (and hopefully healthier) treats for the Trunk and Treat later this month.

This will be held at Carli's place
(a great chill out and chat spot)
7:30pm Tuesday 14th October

Any questions gimme a call

Suzi P

Springclean for Body and Soul

2008-09-25T09:50:00.003+10:00

It's Enrichment Time again!!

Saturday 27th Sept 7pm at Normanhurst

This time we are going to focus on our wellbeing. We are better placed to look after others if we are looking after ourselves.

We will have a naturopath coming to speak to us and there will be miniclasses on nutrition, massage, emotional wellbeing and makeup.

We look forward to seeing you on what will be a relaxing, informative and enjoyable evening!

"The Girl in a whirl"

2008-09-24T14:06:00.001+10:00

The Girl in a Whirl
by ‘Dr. Sue’
(a.k.a. Vickie Gunther)

Look at me, look at me, look at me now!
You could do what I do
If you only knew how.

I study the scriptures one hour each day;
I bake,
I upholster,
I scrub,
and I pray.

I always keep all the commandments completely;
I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.

I help in their classrooms!
I sew all they wear!
I drive them to practice!
I cut all their hair!

I memorize names of the General Authorities;
I focus on things to be done by priorities.

I play the piano!
I bless with my talents!
My toilets all sparkle!
My checkbooks all balance!

Each week every child gets a one-on-one date;
I attend all my meetings (on time! Never late!)

I’m taking a class on the teachings of Paul,
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all …

I track my bad habits ‘til each is abolished;
Our t-shirts are ironed!
My toenails are polished!

Our family home evenings are always delightful;
The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.

I do genealogy faithfully, too.
It’s easy to do all the things that I do!

I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;
I know all the names of each youth in my stake!

I read to my children!
I help all my neighbors!
I bless the community, too, with my labors.

I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;
My visiting teaching is done the first day!

(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.
It’s the least I can do for my cherished ward sisters.)

I chart resolutions and check off each goal;
I seek each “lost lamb” on my Primary roll.

I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all …

I write in my journal!
I sing in the choir!
Each day, I write “thank you’s” to those I admire.

My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!
My kids get straight A's!
And their bedrooms are clean!

I have a home business to help make some money;
I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.

I go to the temple at least once a week;
I change the car’s tires!
I fix the sink’s leak!

I grind my own wheat and I bake all our bread;
I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.

I make sure I rotate our two-years’ supply;
My shopping for Christmas is done by July!

These things are not hard;
It’s good if you do them;
You can if you try!
Just set goals and pursue them!

It’s easy to do all the things that I do!
If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!

It’s easy!” she said …

… and then she dropped dead.

Cooking Group - Sept Recipes

2008-09-15T20:34:00.005+10:00

Thanks to Joy Smith for conducting the cooking group this month. Here are the recipes for you to reproduce at home :o)

Spring Rolls

Ingredients:
Spring roll wrappers (can buy in freezer section most supermarkets)

Finely shredded cabbage

Bean sprouts

Finely sliced onions

Jullienned carrot

Minced chilli (optional)

Minced ginger

Minced chicken and/or pork and/or beef and/or prawns

Cellophane vermicelli (also known as bean thread)

Peanut oil

Method:

Dry stir-fry vegetables.

Separately cook meat with a dash of Chinese 5 spice.

Soak noodles for 5 mins in warm water.

Allow vegetables, meat and noodles to cool.

Thaw wrappers (about ½ hour) Put in a clean damp tea towel.

Take one wrapper. Add small quantities of the meat, noodles and vegetables to one corner.

Wrap, folding in edges as you roll up. Dampen end to seal.

Heat peanut oil in fry pan (about 2 cm deep)

Add spring rolls and fry until golden brown flipping ½ way through cooking time.

Serve hot with sweet & sour or sweet chilli sauce.

Banana Spring Rolls

Toss sliced bananas or a 3 inch length or banana in ginger marmalade or apricot jam or desiccated coconut or crushed peanuts or a little nutmeg – to taste.

Roll and cook as above

Dust with icing sugar

NOTE: must be cooked as needed, will not store.

Rice Paper Rolls

Ingredients:
Rice Paper wrappers (can buy at most supermarkets in Asian section)

Meats …

Cooked minced chicken

Drained tuna

Cooked shelled medium sized prawns

Cooked beef mince with shitake mushrooms

Salads …

Coriander

Chives

Mint leaves

Grated carrot

Finely shredded lettuce

Bean sprouts

Finely sliced green onions

Sliced chilli

Method:

Soak wrappers in warm water for 10 seconds until pliable (do one at a time). Put on clean tea towel.

Add small quantities of one of the meats and selection of salads on one corner. Wrap, folding in edges as you roll up.

Serve same day with sweet chilli or lemon sauce.

Best prepared about two to three hours before serving because the wrappers toughen the longer they sit.

Spring Rolls

Ingredients:
Spring roll wrappers (can buy in freezer section most supermarkets)

Finely shredded cabbage

Bean sprouts

Finely sliced onions

Jullienned carrot

Minced chilli (optional)

Minced ginger

Minced chicken and/or pork and/or beef and/or prawns

Cellophane vermicelli (also known as bean thread)

Peanut oil

Method:

Dry stir-fry vegetables.

Separately cook meat with a dash of Chinese 5 spice.

Soak noodles for 5 mins in warm water.

Allow vegetables, meat and noodles to cool.

Thaw wrappers (about ½ hour) Put in a clean damp tea towel.

Take one wrapper. Add small quantities of the meat, noodles and vegetables to one corner.

Wrap, folding in edges as you roll up. Dampen end to seal.

Heat peanut oil in fry pan (about 2 cm deep)

Add spring rolls and fry until golden brown flipping ½ way through cooking time.

Serve hot with sweet & sour or sweet chilli sauce.

Banana Spring Rolls

Toss sliced bananas or a 3 inch length or banana in ginger marmalade or apricot jam or desiccated coconut or crushed peanuts or a little nutmeg – to taste.

Roll and cook as above

Dust with icing sugar

NOTE: must be cooked as needed, will not store.

Phillipines Style Rolls

Wonton wrappers

Filling is

Raw pork (or other meat) minced 200g
Finely chopped 5 water chestnuts
Finely chopped mint – about 3 or 4 leaves
1 small carrot finely grated
½ onion finely grated
Finely chopped coriander stems
1 egg
Season to taste

If you want you can add finely chopped chilli and ginger.

The mix should be dominated by the meat and about the texture of a rissole. The other ingredients should be as finely chopped as you can get.

Put mixture completely along one edge of the wrapper and roll up leaving ends open.

** The roll should be no thicker than your little finger – this is important because you need the meat to cook through without burning the wrapper.

Deep fry in a wok with very hot peanut or canola oil (just short of smoking point).

NOTE Olive oil is not suitable for asian cooking as the flavour is too strong.

Also oil needs to be as hot as possible for all cooking of spring rolls and wontons because the wrappers seal quickly and are less greasy.

Serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

Read along with me, the best is yet to be...

2008-09-04T11:52:00.003+10:00

I haven't posted what we're reading for a very long time. Here's the list so get stuck into it sisters! I think we have a bit of variety happening here...

Sep: Gogo Mama (at Catherine's)
Oct: The Poisonwood Bible (at April's)
Nov: 101 Most Influential People Never Lived
Dec: The Christmas Box

Click on the links for more info.

Cooking Group - September 9th

2008-09-04T11:39:00.004+10:00

On Tuesday 9th Joy Smith with be showing us some fabulous recipes for:

Spring Rolls
&
Vietnamese Rolls

Held at Lee Taylor's Home at 7:30pm

Cooking Group - August Recipes

2008-08-14T22:20:00.006+10:00

Thanks to Lisha for hosting this month's cooking group meeting
at her home.
We all had a good laugh and LOVED her fruit cake.
Thanks also to Pam for blitzing up a delicious smoothie - a saving grace :o)

Here are the two popular recipes of the night:

Lisha's Fruit Cake - sugar free

1 cup coconut
1 cup wholemeal flour
2 tsp baking powder

2 cups of favourite dried fruit,
  dried apricots, pear, strawberries, currants,
  sultanas, raisins etc.
1 cup milk
1 egg
 
Mix all ingredients, pour into a greased lined loaf tin, the dried fruit tends to stick to the pan a bit.
Bake in a moderate oven (180 C) for 1 hr.
 
Best eaten hot from the oven with a dob of butter.

Breakfast Bars (Nigella Express) - reduced sugar
1x375g can of sweetened condensed milk
250g rolled oats (not quick oats)
75g shredded coconut
100g dried cranberries (I used two dried bananas and some dried apricots)
125g mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame)
125g unsalted peanuts (I used extra seeds and some chopped almonds)

Preheat oven to 130C and oil a 23x33x4cm tin (or whatever!).
Warm the condensed milk in a pan until it loosens up and is very runny.
Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl and mix in the milk. Use spatula to fold it together and spread in the tin.

Bake for 1hr and leave to cool before cutting into bars.

Calling all knitters!

2008-08-04T10:22:00.002+10:00

You may have heard about the annual Wrap with Love Knit In that took place at the end of last week. They are now taking registrations for volunteers for next year, and I thought this might be a worthy cause for a service project. The knitting itself is uncomplicated - basically large sqaures in garter stitch sewn together to make a blanket.

Wrap with love is a charitable organisation that distributes these blankets (via various other NGO's) to people in need around the world. Recently blankets went to earthquake victims in China, for example.

If there is enough interest, maybe we could register to make blankets, and then organise our own little knit-in's. Let me know if you are interested.

Cooking Group - August 12th

2008-08-03T16:24:00.006+10:00

Tuesday 12th August 7:30pm

Sugar free treats, snacks and smoothies

You'll be surprised how sweet and yummy they are without any additional sugar.
Tried and tested on kids and husbands :o)

To be held at LISHA WALKER's HOME

Next Month:
Joy Smith, also requiring a host house.

Another great resource!

2008-08-03T14:08:00.004+10:00

The Encyclopedia of Mormonism is now available online here for free. This is exciting news, because it is one of the greatest resources for information regarding the doctrines, beliefs, practices, and culture of Latter Day Saints, and has always been one of those really expensive, out of print, hard to find books. It is intended to appeal to both LDS people and others. There are hundreds and hundreds of articles, all in alphabetical order and hyperlinked to each other wiki-style.

The book doesn't necessarily represent the official views of the LDS Church

Cooking Group - Friday Day Out

2008-07-23T14:58:00.003+10:00

The Organic Expo will be on all weekend at The Sydney Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour (Hall 1)
Because of the small response, we've decided to pop along on the Friday instead of Saturday for the Trade Viewing (kids corner closed, adults only.. shame!).

Get your free trade pass here which can be used on any day.

a quote for today

2008-07-09T09:40:00.001+10:00

"This life is not so much a time for getting and accumulating as it is a time for giving and becoming. Mortality is the battlefield upon which justice and mercy meet. But they need not meet as adversaries, for they are reconciled in the Atonement of Jesus Christ for all who wisely use Today."

--Lance B. Wickman, "Today", Ensign, May 2008

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY!

2008-06-17T14:47:00.003+10:00

And the birthday child is the Normanhurst Ward RS Book Group!!!

Thanks to Carli for the fantastic work you do as group leader!

We have read some great books, had some wonderfully stimulating discussions and eaten some seriously yummy food in the past 2 years and look forward to more of that!

Enrichment Night!!!

2008-06-08T13:22:00.002+10:00

Our quarterly Enrichment Night is coming up.

Maryanne and Catherine have planned a wonderful evening for us, so come along and enjoy a great program with a few surprises along the way, great company and food.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

A great quote for today

2008-06-03T21:30:00.001+10:00

"Making of your life a ministry means consciously asking yourself in everyday situations, "Why has the Lord brought me here today?" and then looking for ways to build up people and the kingdom. It means asking the Lord what He needs you to do rather than feverishly working down your list of To-Do's that may or may not have lasting significance. Ministering might mean ...starting a blog to share what you believe online..." Sheri L Dew

(Thanks, Bronwyn)

Cooking Group - June 10th

2008-06-02T12:05:00.007+10:00

This month:

Choux pastry and Trish's treats
Trish Brown's Home

Tues 10th June, 7:30pm

I put the 17th before, but it's actually the 10th June

SCRAP GROUP

2008-05-31T10:17:00.002+10:00

It's time for another morning of scrapbooking! This Tuesday morning at my house around 10:00. This time we are going to try a speed scrap. Every ten minutes for the first hour you will get instructions as to what to use on your lay out. You will then have an additional hour to complete the LO. They are so much fun. Come along and have a few laughs!

We may be postponing this group until more interest arises since people haven't been coming. If you really want to scrap don't let this happen!

Potato Cooking group

2008-05-14T10:39:00.009+10:00

Well Carli & Filipa were in their element last night with the potato quiz, potato show bags and demonstrations of potato recipes (below) and not forgetting the potato speech.

Potato Chocolate Cake
125g butter
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup cold mashed potato (from a starchy potato)
1 1/4 cups self-raising flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1/3 cup milk
1 zucchini grated
1/2 cup walnuts
1/3 cup raisins

Grease 20cm ring pan.
Cream butter and sugar in a small bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy, beat in eggs one at a time. Beat until combined.
Stir in potato and zucchini with half the milk and half the flour. Then stir in remaining flour, cocoa, walnuts, raisins and milk.
Spread mixture into prepared pan. Bake in moderate oven for about 40 minutes.
Stand 5 minutes before turning onto wire rack to cool.
Spread cold cake with your favourite chocolate icing.
(Carli used a light sour cream with cocoa icing)

Potato Bites
800g desiree or waxy potatoes (approx 5 reg sized potatoes)
¾c plain flour
½c grated cheddar or parmesan cheese
2 eggs
¾c milk
vegetable or olive oil
rock salt and peppercorns

Line large bowl with a clean tea towel. Grate the potatoes and tip into lined bowl. Bring up the sides of the tea towel and twist the top, squeezing out all the liquid. Discard the liquid and dry the bowl.
Tip the grated potato back into the bowl. Add flour, cheese, eggs and milk. Mix until combined.
Heat the oil in a non stick frypan until hot. Spoon rounded tablespoons of the mixture into the pan. Fry for 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towel.
Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Potato Pizza recipe
Lebanese bread (the round flat pocket bread)
Tomato paste
Approx 1 potato
approx 1/2 sweet potato
similar amt of pumpkin
(optional extras: Capsicum, mushroom, pre-cooked chicken)
olive oil
fresh basil
1 cup mozzarella cheese

Roast the potato and sweet potato with the olive oil.
The spread the tomato paste on the Lebanese bread and sprinkle half a cup of mozzarella cheese over the base before adding (on a prepared tray) the cooled roasted vegetables.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese and chopped basil before cooking in the oven for 15-20mins on med heat.

Did you know?
That there are 100 varieties of potato
Potatoes originated from Peru
Many of the different varieties used today were developed in Idaho
That Northern Europeans eat the most potato in their diet

Next month.. Trish Brown demonstrates at her home.

SO SCRAPPY...

2008-05-01T10:47:00.002+10:00

Hey ladies, we are changing the time and date for scrapbooking group. I thought it might work better if we did it during the day. We will now scrap the first Tuesday of every month at 10:00am at my house. Bring something to share for lunch and of course bring your scrap gear. Children are welcome - they can play and enjoy themselves too. We will see you on the first Tuesday in May which is the 6th.

Also, if you don't scrapbook, but want to come along for some adult conversation you are more than welcome to join us!

Health warning.....

2008-04-24T17:00:00.005+10:00

WARNING....GENEALOGY POX; [very contagious to adults]

SYMPTOMS: Continual complaints as to need for names, dates and places.
Patient has blank expression, sometimes deaf to spouse and children.
Has no taste for work of any kind, except feverishly looking through records at libraries, courthouses and internet, Has compulsion to write letters and send e-mail. Swears at postman when he doesn't stop and leave mail. Frequents strange places such as cemeteries, ruins and remote desolate country areas. Makes secret night calls. Hides phone bills from spouse and mumbles to [him or her] self. Has strange far away look in eyes.

TREATMENT: Medication is useless. There is no known cure. Disease is not fatal, but gets progressively worse. Patient should attend genealogy workshops, subscribe to genealogy magazines and be given a quiet corner in the house where he or she can be alone.

REMARKS: The unusual nature of this disease is...the sicker the patient gets, the more he or she seems to enjoy it! Another feature of this disease is curiosly that a majority of people seem to be immune to it........

SUPPORT GROUP held every Wednesday evening (during YW/YM) in the Family History Room (next door to Primary). For further help and information contact Tina

Cooking Group - Update

2008-04-21T15:02:00.011+10:00

Cooking Group meets on the second Tuesday of every month.

MAY - The humble spud

A guide to which tater for what.

by Carli Jeffrey & Filipa Bellette
Tuesday 13th May

7:30pm at Carli Jeffrey's Home

June - Trish Brown
July - Excursion to the 2008 Organic Expo, Darling Harbour.
August - Jackie James
September - Joy Smith
October - Suzi Perryman
November - Catherine Nel
December - Christmas Special

If you're eager (or slightly interested) in hosting a cooking group, please let me know. Otherwise we'll go ahead and start again with Joy in September.

A word from our prophet

2008-04-20T17:55:00.003+10:00

“You, my beloved sisters, know who you are and what God expects you to become. Your challenge is to bring all for whom you are responsible to a knowledge of this truth. The Relief Society of this, the Lord’s Church, can be the means to achieve such a goal”

(President Thomas S. Monson, “If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear,” Ensign, Nov. 2004, 115).

Cooking Group - March Recipes

2008-04-19T09:14:00.007+10:00

So sorry for the delay!

Here are the recipes from our March cooking group that Catherine demonstrated for us.
These are home style recipes from South Africa.

Wholewheat Nutty Rusks (Nel's Nutty Rusks):
1kg wholewheat flour
500ml white flour
250ml sugar ( can reduce to taste)
5ml salt
10ml baking powder
5ml bicarb soda
5ml cream of tartar
250g melted butter
200ml raisins
150ml chopped pecans (or walnuts)
500ml buttermilk/sour milk
2 eggs
200ml oil

*Note, I add alot more raisins plus pumpkin seeds and sunflower kernels (roughly 500ml altogether)
In a large mixing bowl, mix flours, sugar, salt, baking powder, bicarb and cream of tartar.
Stir in butter then add the raisins and nuts.
Beat the buttermilk, eggs and oil in a separate bowl and stir into the dry mixture.
Knead into a dough and roll into balls (a little bigger than a golf ball).
Pack closely together into 2 lined and oiled 23x8x8 loaf tins.

Bake at 180C for 1 hour. Turn out and break apart. Arrange on baking sheets and dry out in a very low oven (120-140). They taste better if allowed to toast slightly.

*TIPS - I reduce the oil to 150ml and add extra buttermilk. I also reduce the sugar because of the extra raisins.

Milk Tart
Pastry:
125g soft butter
50ml caster sugar
1 egg
500ml cake flour (fine white flour)
pinch of salt

Cream the butter and sugar, then beat in the egg. Sift in the flour and salt and form into a ball and chill. Make the filling below.

Filling:
625ml milk
1 stick cinnamon
60ml flour
75ml sugar
pinch salt
25ml butter
3 eggs, separated
2ml vanilla
3 drops almond essence (optional)
ground cinnamon and sugar

Using a heavy based saucepan, scald 500ml milk and cinnamon stick.
Mix flour, sugar and salt to a paste with the remaining milk and stir in the hot milk.
Return it to the saucepan and cook until thick, stirring and keeping heat low to prevent scorching.
When thick and smooth, remove and all butter. Cool. Remove cinnamon stick and then beat the yolks in one at a time using a wooden spoon.
Add vanilla and almond essence.
Whisk whites and fold in.

Pres the chilled dough evenly into 23cm pie dish - not too shallow as the filling puffs up. cover base with a circle of baking paper and weigh it with dried beans to blind bake.
Bake at 180C for 10mins. Remove paper and beans and bake for another 5mins.

Pour in filling and bake below centre of oven for 20-25mins until set. Sprinkle generously with ground cinnamon and sugar.

Last night at cooking group

2008-04-09T11:54:00.017+10:00

Gyoza dumplings
and
Sushi rolls

Gyoza dumplings made and fried (now steaming). Learning to make sushi rolls

Mel's Groucho impression

Sarah showing us how to cut and scoff.

SUSHI ROLLS

14 ounces (400milliliters) sushi rice
16 ounces (450milliliters) water
6 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 pack of nori seaweed sheets, halved
Pickled ginger
Wasabi
Soy sauce

For the fillings:
Spring onions
Enoki mushrooms
Raw salmon
Raw tuna
Cucumber

Wash the rice well and drain. Cover with the measured water and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12 minutes then leave to sit for 5 minutes with the lid on.

Meanwhile, heat the vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved then leave to cool. Turn the cooked rice out onto a flat tray to cool. When cool, place in a bowl, stir in the vinegar solution, and mix with a wooden spoon.

Lay half a sheet of nori seaweed onto a rolling mat. Dip your hand in cold water and quickly place a handful of rice in a line along the seaweed. Flatten out with your fingertips using the water to stop any sticking. The key is to do this quickly. The rice should cover half the width of the sheet so now you can place your combo of filling in the middle of the rice. Use the mat to roll up the sushi roll, pinch and squeeze the mat to shape it into a round cigar shape. Practice makes perfect!

Slice into inch-thick rolls with a sharp knife, turn onto their sides so the rice is facing upwards, and serve with the pickled ginger and wasabi mixed with soy sauce.

GYOZA DUMPLINGS

Sarah used minced chicken 500g
approx 3 inch length of ginger finely chopped/minced
2 cloves garlic minced/crushed
spring onions sliced
soy sauce.
All measures were to taste.

We also used the shop bought wrappers (round ones) which were perfect.
Mixture and wrappers can be frozen for later use.

Cooking Group - April 8th

2008-03-28T11:20:00.007+11:00

(Dramatic music)
And tonight's secret ingredient is.....

Sarah Murphy's Home
Tuesday 8th April at 7:30pm

She'll be showing us a thing or two about Japanese cuisine.

Book group reading list

2008-03-26T16:15:00.000+11:00

We have a wonderfully diverse reading list for the coming 12 months. Here is the list for the next quarter - just to give you a taster!

15th April, 7.30pm Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
Host: Tina -
20th May, 7.30pm Poetry Selections (booklet from Filipa)
Host: Trish –
17th June, 7.30pm A Matter of Conscience: Biography of Sir Ronald Wilson
Host: Sarah –

(see RS newsletter or contact Carli for further details such as addresses)

2008-03-22T12:39:00.002+11:00

With you, we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ this Easter season. We invite you to view "The Bread of Life"
(approximately 7 minutes), which can be found at the following Web
address:
http://jesuschrist.lds.org/SonOfGod/eng/multimedia (LDS-gems)

Book group reminder!

2008-03-16T15:02:00.003+11:00

The March meeting of the book group is being held on this Tuesday at 7.30pm. We will be discussing "My family and other animals" by Gerald Durrell, but even if you haven't read the book you are more than welcome to come along for a lovely evening of discussion and (hopefully, culinary experimentation allowing...) some Corfiote snacks to go along with the book.

We are also going to set the next reading list, so bring along a book that you would like to put on the reading list. Bear in mind the guidelines for the books we read regarding language, content and promotion of discussion. It should also be easy to get hold of.

Hope to see you there on Tuesday at Mari's house !!

Women of Destiny Evening

2008-03-12T10:16:00.004+11:00

We are celebrating the birthday of the Relief Society by having a special Women of Destiny Evening this Saturday at the chapel at 7pm. It will be an uplifting night for each sister. Please bring a plate of supper to share.

Cooking Group - Update

2008-03-06T08:40:00.007+11:00

The Cooking Group will be held on every second Tuesday night of the month.

11th March - Catherine Nel will be doing the demo at her home

The next group meetings will be on:
8th April - Sarah Murphy will be doing a demo at her home
13th May - to be confirmed
10th June - Trish Brown will do a demo at her home

We'd love to hear from you if you want to be involved in doing a demo, allowing the use of your home for a demo or have a friend that would love to be involved.

You can ofcourse attend without having to do/host a demo, you're all very welcome the join in the delectable fun!

SCRAPBOOKING NIGHT - SAT. MARCH 8TH

2008-03-03T12:25:00.002+11:00

Scrap night is coming up this Saturday at Stacy's house. Come at 6:30 for some scrappin' fun. Bring your gear and a snack to share. Hope to see you there!

Cooking Group - Thurs 21st FEB

2008-02-16T09:20:00.003+11:00

This month we'll be having a planning session at Lee Taylor's house.

Thurs 21st Feb 7:30pm
Lee Taylor's Home

So if you would like to learn certain dishes, or can show us a thing or two, come along with your ideas (and bring some nibbles too!)

Book Group - change of venue!

2008-02-12T17:44:00.000+11:00

We will be meeting Tues 19th at 7.30pm as planned, but instead of going to April's place, we will now be going to Joy's. The book for this month is "Huckleberry Finn", so enjoy your reading and we look forward to seeing you on Tuesday!

LDS Women's Co-op Open for 2008

2008-02-07T21:58:00.000+11:00

We're back and already getting orders for this month's dry goods order. Please check out the Co-opStop website for more info.

Dry goods order - GET IN QUICK Closes 20th Feb (flour, grain, nuts, dried fruit, oats etc)

Please feel free to email or call me if you'd like to be added to the distribution list and receive the recent price lists etc.

NEW! Whole Organic Lamb at wholesale price! Cut, bagged and labeled ready for your freezer.
(Takes up approx half of a tucker box type freezer)

Foil pouch packing days will be announced closer to the delivery date.

thanks
Suzi

For your diaries!!

2008-02-05T22:36:00.000+11:00

Here are some of the up and coming activites:

Tuesday 12th Feb at 10.30am - Quilting group at Lisa Rigby's
Tuesday 19th Feb at 7.30pm - Book group at April's
Thursday 22Feb at 7.30 pm - Cooking group, venue TBA

Don't forget to grab a RS newsletter in church on Sunday for more details!!

The prophet has been called

2008-02-05T07:37:00.000+11:00

SALT LAKE CITY 4 February 2008 Thomas S. Monson is the new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it was announced today at a news conference in the Church Office Building. President Monson, 80, succeeds President Gordon B. Hinckley, who died 27 January.
The new world leader of the Church has called to serve with him in the First Presidency, the top governing body of the 13-million-member faith, President Henry B. Eyring, 74, first counselor, and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 67, second counselor.

President Boyd K. Packer, 83, is the new president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will be filled later

Cinnamon roll savvy....

2008-02-01T23:09:00.000+11:00

Thanks to Suzi we are all now experts on making cinnamon rolls (or should I say scrolls, sorry)! We had a great time at the cooking group on Thursday night. Thanks to all who showed their support and especially thanks to Suzi for sharing her knowledge with us!! They were scrumptious!!! If you missed out, there is always next time!!!

And here's the recipe....

Vienna Breakfast Rolls
460g Strong white flour (regular flour should do if it’s unbleached)

300mls tepid milk

60g butter

1 beaten egg

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

3 tsp instant yeast
Sieve together flour and salt, warm slightly then rub in butter.Make a well in the centre and add the yeast, sugar, some of the milk and beaten egg. Mix until formed then knead until dough becomes elastic. You may be left with half the milk depending on your flour and the weather etc.
Place dough into a bowl and cover with cling wrap or a damp cloth and put in a warm place until it’s doubled in size.Knead and bash the air out of it then divide into 12 and shape into rolls or a plait or whatever you want. Place it on a baking tray and leave to rise again for 15-20mins, brush with extra beaten egg. Bake at 180C for 15-20mins.

Suzi’s© Cinnamon Rolls
Use Vienna Breakfast Roll dough as above. Makes approx 30
1. Roll out into a wide rectangle and spread with soft butter, cinnamon and brown sugar – in that order.*Approx ¾ block of butter, soft and mushy NOT melted. (melted butter will not make a thick caramel)*Completely dust the dough and butter with cinnamon.*Pack approx 500g or more of brown sugar over the top.
2. Roll up and slice. Place the rolls carefully on an oven tray (no greasing or paper required). Allow to rise for 15mins then put in a pre-heated oven (180C) for 15mins.
3. Take out of the oven and after a minute use a spoon to gently remove each roll. DO NOT leave to cool as they’ll set rock hard in the caramel. Turn upside down on plate to keep as much caramel on them as possible and scoff the same day!

Normanhurst RS Cooking Group Jan 08

2008-01-31T15:45:00.000+11:00

God be with you 'till we meet again.

2008-01-28T19:54:00.001+11:00

President Gordon B. Hinckley who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through twelve years of global expansion, has died at the age of 97. (27th Jan 2008)

President Hinckley was the 15th president in the 177-year history of the Church and had served as its president since 12 March 1995.

The Church president died at his apartment in downtown Salt Lake City at 7:00 p.m. Sunday night from causes incident to age. Members of his family were at his bedside. A successor is not expected to be formally chosen by the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles until after President Hinckley’s funeral within the next few days.

Book Club Update

2008-01-28T10:07:00.001+11:00

Start reading a childhood classic...

FEB - HUCKLEBERRY FINN (Mark Twain)
Tuesday 19th Feb, 7.30pm
at April's
Discussion Leader: Stacy
My Books: Catherine

MARCH - MY FAMILY AND OTHER ANIMALS (G. Durrell)
Tuesday 18th March, 7.30pm
at Mari's
Discussion Leader: Joy
Also on this night bring along the book you have chosen for the group to read so we can plan for more reading.

Cooking Group - Thursday 31st Jan

2008-01-21T15:01:00.000+11:00

You're all welcome to join us for the cooking group

This Week! Thurs 7:30pm at Stacey Hutchinson's home

Suzi's
Basic Bread
(and cinnamon rolls)

Baby News!!!

2008-01-10T17:53:00.000+11:00

Congratulations to Ben and Jeannelle on the birth of their baby boy Kai, born on the 3rd of Jan. !!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2008-01-02T11:42:00.000+11:00

We look forward to an Enriching 2008.. :)

Special Christmas Dinner

2007-12-07T09:06:00.000+11:00

Our Relief Society Christmas Dinner is on tomorrow night (Sat 8th), 7pm at the chapel. There will be a delicious banquet and beautiful music, and lots of time to chat and catch up with friends.

Wedding congratulations!!!

2007-11-27T15:11:00.001+11:00

A little belatedly, but we just wanted to give our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the newlyweds! We look forward to welcoming Madi into our ward.

Gingerbread houses

2007-11-25T11:32:00.001+11:00

Yesterday we had our gingerbread house decorating activity at church. We were few but we were good.... Here is Fran (Carmen's mum) assembling her house... Great look of concentration!
Carmen experienced subsidence problems with her house, but cheerfully reassembled it each time!
Emma supervised Maryanne to make sure that construction proceded as it should
Coral from Greenwich ate most of the lollies beforehand, but still had more than enough for her house
Let's see how many lollies we can fit on the roof.... This house had a fence and a gate as well.
a few final touches
Maryanne's house (complete with holly), Coral's house (with the logpile) and Mari's house
Carmen with her house and Fran's house - great result!!!

Now let's see how many of the houses remain intact until Christmas.....

Thanks to all who came to the goodbye BBQ!!

2007-11-19T11:17:00.000+11:00

We had a good time and some great food. Thanks to everyone for making this a special night for our Finland friends!! Good luck to you guys!!! Here are a few photos I took:

Egg order for November

2007-11-17T21:12:00.000+11:00

Hi everyone,

Lisha will be placing an egg order in the last week of November.
The eggs come from an egg farm in Dural, and they are free range.

A tray of 30 small pullet (young chicken) eggs is $4/tray. If you want some larger eggs they are about $6/tray.

Payment is in advance via direct deposit (we'd like to try to avoid handing money around on Sunday at church) and the trays need to be collected from Lisha's home in Epping or collected at church. Lisha is planning to collect the eggs on Fri Nov 30th. If you would like to buy some eggs, please let Lisha know asap so she can get the eggs orders rolling!!

GOODBYE BBQ....

2007-11-05T12:30:00.000+11:00

....for Teemu and Sirpa Leppänen at Bicentennial Park in West Pymble on Saturday, November 17th at 4-7pm. Bring your families for some fun and to say goodbye. Bring your own meat, drink, dishes, cups, utensils, etc and a side dish to share with everyone. Hope to see you all there.

The stork has landed again!!!

2007-11-03T12:12:00.001+11:00

Big congratulations to Brandon and Narelle on the safe arrival of a beautiful little girl - Jamison.

Well done, Narelle!!!

Trunk or Treat part 2

2007-11-02T22:46:00.000+11:00

We are happy to share with you some photos from the Normanhurst Trunk or Treat. For an event that was fairly impromptu, it certainly looked good!!!

The Bakkers

The James family with the cutest little ogres! Jackie needs a little help from AK with some cosmetic dentistry....:)

The Murphy car - the children had to stick their hands through the jaws - ingenious!

The Walker car came complete with spooky sounds over the speakers. Great pirates and ghost costumes!

Carli was practically unrecognisable as the Desperate Housewife.... Spider boy Mason and Fifi (Maya) looking good!

Here's a happy little group! Madisen the Witch, Cooper the Ghost and those gorgeous little ogres Jocelyn and Adeline.
Rylee the fairy going flying

Madisen and Antoi
And here is the bigger picture..

Thanks again all who turned up to make this a fun event. Next year will be even bigger and scarier :)

Trunk or Treat!

2007-11-01T13:08:00.000+11:00

BIG thanks to Jackie for organising a Trunk or Treat for Halloween last night. Despite short notice, the event was well attended and very successful judging by a reported ward-wide sugar-rush! Sounds like this could become a new tradition for the ward. Thanks to all who attended to make it a fun evening for the kids. (and if anyone took photos, we'd love to post them up here for everyone to share..)

Come scrappin!!

2007-10-30T19:19:00.000+11:00

The scrapbooking group is now up and scrapping! Meetings will be held at Stacy's home (see RS newsletter for further detail) every 2nd Saturday of the month.
The first meeting will be held on Saturday 10th November at 6.30 pm. Bring your scrap stuff, a snack/treat to share and be ready for a great time!

Liquid Hand Soap - THIS WEEK

2007-10-29T07:29:00.001+11:00

Making Liquid Hand Soap - Thursday 1st Nov 7:30pm at Carli's house.

This is the first class in our "Green Cleaning" program. Luckily Green Cleaning is also "Super cheap cleaning".

Liquid hand soap 500ml refill = $4.20

vs
Homemade liquid hand soap 500ml = 30c

BRING:

* Large measuring jug
* Cheese grater
* Empty containers (juice/lemonade bottles are fine) to hold 3 litres of liquid

It's sooo easy to make and only takes a few minutes
to produce hand soap refills that last months!

Eggciting News - Free Range

2007-10-28T10:42:00.000+11:00

Monthly egg orders are starting this week.

Lisha Walker and I are going to check the place out this week and will most likely bring some eggs back with us.

We'll need you to pay LISHA a month in advance for your eggs.
1 tray (30 eggs) = $4.00

They are slightly smaller eggs, but for $4 a tray of 30 who's complaining!?
(that's not a request for complaints :o)

Winston Hills bulk order

2007-10-28T10:26:00.000+11:00

Winston Hills have started a regular bulk order and are allowing anyone to join in.

Some items are cheaper through the co-op (like rolled oats) and others you'd be better off just buying locally (loo roll).

There are quite a few things that the co-op doesn't offer, like TVP, dried mushrooms, yeast and potato granuals/flakes etc.

It's worth a look, here's the link:

http://winstonhills.blogspot.com/2007/10/bulk-food-orders.html

Elder Eyring

2007-10-19T01:54:00.001+10:00

After President Hinckley finished with the sustaining of the officers of the church during the Saturday morning session, Elder Eyring had moved into his new seat on the stand. Unfortunately, they didn't show this on the broadcast, but when President Hinckley turned around, he stood there for a moment looking at Elder Eyring (probably with the little twinkle in his eye), then picked up his cane and 'knighted' him on his shoulder and head. (Which is why on the broadcast you can hear some people laughing).

Stake RS activity - gen RS meeting broadcast

2007-10-15T13:08:00.000+10:00

Sisters,
We get the opportunity to watch the general RS meeting broadcast on Saturday 27th
The activity will start with a lunch celebrating the multicultural nature of our stake. Each ward will serve food representing a different country.

Lunch starts at 1pm and will be followed by the broadcast itself. This will be a great opportunity to feed both body and soul!! Bring yourself, and maybe even a friend or neighbour?

Honey order closing soon!

2007-10-12T20:51:00.000+10:00

Don't forget what a great offer this is.
Cold extracted Yellow Box can be $19 a kilo and we've got it for $5!

Cash is good, transfers still accepted:

TUB 30kilos at $5.00 per kilo = $150.00
JAR 1 kilo jar = $6.50 (10 recommended)

PAYMENT CUT OFF MONDAY 15th OCTOBER.

*note: 1 tub (30kilos) is one year's supply for two adults

Suzi

Upcoming Enrichment activities!

2007-10-08T19:17:00.000+10:00

Book club: Tuesday 15th October, 7.30pm at Sirpa's house
Quilting group: Friday 19th October 10.30 at Mari's house
NEW!!!
Cooking group: Thursday 25th Oct. 7.30pm at Lee Taylor's home

The self-reliance group is also coming up with some activities:
Sewing! Learn basic dressmaking/repairs/hemming etc by the very talented Jodie Rigby
Make your own soap
Watch this space for more information.

Last, but not least Scrapbooking will be starting up again! More details to follow.

Coming up - Gingerbread house activity!!!

2007-09-25T18:04:00.000+10:00

We will be doing a Gingerbread house activity in November (Saturday 24th - at Normanhurst - TBC). The cost will be $25 (payment will be in advance), and for this price you will get a gingerbread house kit ready to assemble, icing, lollies etc to decorate, plus a foil board for the house to sit on. We need to order the kits 6 weeks in advance so we are now taking names.
For those who might want to make their own gingerbread, we have recipes and templates. Ask Lee or Mari.

Watch this space for more info!

Self Reliance Group

2007-09-23T09:19:00.000+10:00

24th September - Money and orders due for BULK BUY (possible order next month)

15th October - Honey order closes 30kilo tub = $150.00 (1yr storage) and 1 kilo jars $6.50 each

30th October - Water Tub money due $25 for 220 litre water barrel!

coming up...

Green cleaning class 1. Simple soap
(bars and liquid hand soap)
and
Sewing classes

Chook chatting

2007-09-23T08:26:00.001+10:00

Ginny and Michael's lovely back yard with HUGE fenced vegie patch and chickens in the corner.

Here Michael and Ginny are clipping the birds wings so they don't fly away.

The laying box (accessible from the outside). The golf balls are to trick them into thinking there are already eggs in the nest - so they keep laying.
They get 1 egg from each chicken per day.

Feeding scraps to the chickens....

... and feeding children to the dogs

Benefits of having chickens:

·Fresh and tasty eggs

· Dispose of your food scraps

· Turn your food scraps into garden fertiliser

· Pest control around the garden – they just love curl grubs, snails, slugs and spiders.

· Love grass clippings from the lawn mower

· They weed, turn over and fertilise garden beds

· They are just incredibly useful and friendly pets!

Book Club - October's reading

2007-09-20T21:19:00.000+10:00

First of all a big thanks to Trish for hosting this month's meeting and treating us to some truly magnificent nibblies. We had a lovely time discussing "A Fortunate Life" and Cath had brought some wonderful children's books to share.

For this month we will be reading elder Richard G Scott's "Finding Peace, Happiness and Joy" (can be ordered from Deseret Books). The October meeting will be held at Sirpa's place. on Tuesday 16th Oct, 7.30pm

The stork has landed again!!!

2007-09-17T10:23:00.000+10:00

This time we would like to congratulate Louisa and Daniel on the safe arrival of little Ezekiel!!!
We look forward to welcoming this newest arrival into our ward!

Quilting group - Friday 21st September 10.30am

2007-09-14T11:17:00.000+10:00

You Know you are a Quilter If........
There's more Fabric in the House than Food
"Fat Quarters" are not the heaviest part of your body
Your ironing board is always set up but you never iron clothes
You think of your job as an interruption of your quilting time
You pet Fabric
People are always picking threads off you
You can measure a scant 1/4 by eye
"Featherweight" Doesn't mean Boxer
Your "UFO's" are not from outer space
You clean up your sewing room & they think you are leaving....

Come join us for a session of quilting, chatting, eating, chatting, quilting........
Feed your addiction and your tummy!

Beginners always welcome, so come along on the 21st at the Viertel home.

The stork has landed!!

2007-09-12T22:52:00.000+10:00

Congratulations to Carli and Winston on the birth of their new little baby girl. Mother and baby are doing fine and are home from hospital. The little princess is nameless as of yet, but we hear the jury is almost back so watch this space!!! Edit: The name is Michaela!!

Chicken Chat - 10am Saturday 22nd September

2007-09-05T08:56:00.000+10:00

For those of us interested (or curious about) CHOOKS, come along to our Chicken Chat to have a look at:

* a set up chook shed and run
* how much or little work goes in to keeping them
* what they eat
* how many eggs are produced per week

A nice casual hour or so at my friend Ginny's place. Just 10mins nth of Hornsby.

Please email me if you'd like to come along

Ready to cook up a storm?

2007-09-03T11:27:00.000+10:00

We are planning to start up a Cooking Group. If you are interested, let Maryanne or Mari know. We also need to know your preference for evening/daytime and whether or not you might be willing/able to demonstrate a dish.

We are excited about this one and hope you will be too!!

Backyard blitz at Suzi's

2007-08-28T16:52:00.000+10:00

Today some of the members of the self reliance group paid Suzi a surprise visit. Suzi works hard with the co-op and helping us all to get our food-storage organised and we wanted to say a big THANK YOU!!

Jack, the junior gardener, hard at work

while Maryanne attacked the onion weeds

2007-08-28T16:41:00.000+10:00

Weeding in the vegie patch, later in the year carrots will be growing here

Pam hard at work pulling onion weed

Meanwhile, Maryanne was entertaining the younger generation

Caylee came along, bringing little baby Georgia (now 6 weeks and cute as a button!)
Trish brought sandwiches and little Jackson. We had a lovely picnic under the ornamental plum tree. Spring has sprung and the tree is covered in white blossoms.

Self Reliance Group - End Sept ORDER

2007-07-31T21:07:00.001+10:00

Hi All,
The next order for dry goods, nuts and fruit will be at the end of Sept/early Oct.

You can start buying up bags of cheap pasta and rice from the supermarket

OR

Buy a large sack of flour, grain, oats, lentils, cocoa, chickpeas etc through the co-op. Contact me for a price list.

After the order has arrived we will have a couple of packing days to get it all into foil pouches and safely stored away.

So start thinking and planning about what you want to get.

Thanks
Suzi

Christmas in July

2007-07-29T07:43:00.000+10:00

Here are some happy photos from our Christmas in July craft activity - thank you especially to all the clever sisters who taught the classes.

New Book Club Reading List

2007-07-18T15:54:00.000+10:00

Now, we have a wonderful new reading list!

August - The Hospital by the River (Dr Catherine Hamlin)

Sept - A Fortunate Life (A.B Facey)

Oct - Finding Peace, Happiness and Joy (Richard G. Scott)

Nov - Tuesdays With Morrie (Mitch Albom) / Our Favouite Cookbooks / Recipes for Christmas

Dec - A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens)/ Christmas Books (Childrens) and Secret Santa

Jan - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Series (C.S Lewis)

Feb - Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain)

March - My Family and Other Animals (G. Durrell)

We meet on the third Tuesday night of each month. In August (21st) we meet at Maryanne's House.

Thank you for hosting us last night Joy - the rocky road was superb!

Christmas in July activity!!

2007-07-05T16:54:00.000+10:00

Hi all
It's that time of year again, and we are having our annual event, an afternoon extravaganza of crafting, socialising and .... of course.... some yummy nibbles!

When: Saturday 28th July 2pm - 5pm
Where: Normanhurst
Who: you! Also, this is an excellent activity to invite friends, neighbours, relatives etc to!

Please scroll down to see examples of the workshops you can sign up for. Sign up sheets will be displayed outside the RS room every Sunday (alternatively contact Maryanne or Mari) - last signup and payment by 21st July in order for us to get the supplies in time.

Some workshops that we don't have photos for yet are: Cake decorating with Lisa Rigby (cost $6), Scrapbooking (a brag book) with Lisa Sully (cost $15) and a Santa (wooden) door hanging ("Please stop here")

We hope to see as many as possible of you there.
Please bring a plate of your favourite (Christmas?) nibbles to share. Drinks will be provided.