Noisy Picnic

We slept in, I thought it was late but then realised daylight saving ended today so I had an extra hour up my pj sleeve.  We cooked pancakes and the kids had a bit of a stoush but we resolved that and packed up and drove out to Temora to the lake for a picnic lunch.  Why anyone would situate a freaking dirt bike circuit right next to a scenic, public, lake and picnic area is beyond comprehension.  They had taken over the swimming area carpark and had caravans everywhere, and the loud zooming of the bikes plus the guy on the megaphone made it not such a peaceful place.  We went down to the picnic area beside the lake and had our lunch anyway.  Kids were going to swim but you couldn't get within a couple of metres from the water until the stench hit you.  We ate our lunch and decided to pack up and come home.  I won't go there again, I'd rather drive on and go to the mineral pools at Barmedman I think.  Still it was good to get out and into the sunshine and (kind of) fresh air.

You can see the caravans and cars parked up there in what is normally the picnic area carpark. Barstards.

Ham rolls and the Sunday paper, with a nice hot cup of tea.

Josh wanted bbq chook and Em wanted ham so we got both with crusty bread rolls.  I bought a little jar of mustard pickles and had a buttered roll with ham and pickles.  I actually had two, piggy that I am.  Much nicer than the greasy chook.  I will make soup from the leftovers but think we'll stick to cold meat from now on.  It was lovely with a hot cup of tea from my trusty thermos.

I think I am going to need new glasses soon even though I only just got these ones.  We drove out of Temora towards the lake and I saw a sign that I hadn't noticed before that said "Lawn Cemetery".  I glanced over and saw cars parked there but drove on.  Em said "Mum wasn't that the turn off to the lake?"  I condescendingly replied "Heh, heh, no that was to the lawn cemetery".  "I'm pretty sure it was for the lake, look you can see the water there".  And I could.  As I drove on I could see way ahead down the straight road no signs or turn offs so I doubled back and headed towards the cemetary.  When we got there the sign plainly said "Lake Centenary".  Oh dear my kids laugh AT me more than WITH me these days. 

I made lamb kofta with Chilli Garlic and Yoghurt sauce.  Normally I don't put the chilli in but I have so many fresh ones I stuck to the recipe and chopped up two finely.  Wow what a kick!  We had it with couscous and a salad. 

All in all a nice weekend but I'll be glad when Phill gets back on Tuesday or Wednesday. 

I cleaned the bbq tonight with some heavy duty sh*t in a can.  It was SO filthy.  Phill would never make it as a housewife let me tell you.  He is normally responsible for the bbq but if he was in charge of a kitchen heaven help us all.  Imagine if I left the stove and the cookware until the next meal what it would be like, especially if that meal is cooked only once a week or less.  It's a lot cleaner than it was but it needs more work.  Lucky high heat kills germies.

I just watched a lovely show about the old TV series "The Sullivans" which was set in wartime (WW2) suburban Melbourne and which screened during the 70's and early 80's.  I loved that show, I was always fascinated by wartime in our country and how the people coped with it.  Great tribute to it and I wish there were more shows on tv like that. 

Early night for us all tonight, once I can badger the kids into showering.  Back into the working week tomorrrow.