quicko: s'more s'mores

For curious Australians:  here's a good insight into the mystery that is s'mores.

quicko: slang regarding kids

There's a fair few lexical differences when it comes to things to do with kids -- this list isn't comprehensive, but it's a good start. The site in general is full of general fun facts about Australia, too!

Here's a quote to get you started:

"Want to see a Yank blush? Ask them to "nurse" your baby. It's another of those words that have a completely different meaning in different countries.

To an Aussie, you're asking them to hold your baby, but to an American, they think you want them to breast feed the baby. And yes, this did happen to an American visiting a new mum in the hospital. She was quite flustered and we didn't know why until she finally told us. Could have been worse. We could have asked her husband first."

photos: it's beginning to look a lot like advent!

Thanks, Mom, for my special Advent decorations!

photos: happy thanksgiving

We had a belated Thanksgiving this year on the Sunday after.  It was a ... partially traditional menu.  I did win the battle for turkey (over lamb), and we got pork thrown in for good measure.  I made stuffing and (burnt) applesauce and brought cranberry sauce, and we also had a green bean salad with radishes, roast potatoes (in duck fat, though I think most of that stayed in the pan), corn on the cob, a bean salad and tabouli.  For dessert, I made (burnt) gingerbread and apple crisp with (melted -- we seem to have forgotten to close the freezer) ice cream.  All in all, we were all full at the end.  Thankful for good friends to help me celebrate the holidays I miss most!