Sustenance

Well, it is 3/4's the way through January already, and I see that I have only written one post this year. I must get into the routine again of blogging more regularly, and using my camera more.

I have been home for a week from Auckland now, and thinking back to that special time there, I feel so fortunate to have started off the New Year with lots of music, wonderful friendships, fabulous food and some time out from Summer's busy schedule.

We are always very busy in these summer months looking after our accommodation business, and this year, lots of things have happened to create a little havoc....massive rainfall that caused slips and blocked the dam that produces the water for the water tank to the house, two lots of guests were without water for 48 hrs.The fridge decided to stop working and we needed to purchase a new one immediately. The washing machine appeared to fill all on it's own accord and caused a flood inside, and the security lock failed to function properly and needed replacing.

Next week, we are going to replace the water tank with another much larger one, and the process of doing that is certainly not going to be straightforward. Ah well, it's lucky Ian is very handy with hooking up water systems, I am sure he will figure out a way to do it.

Over Christmas I made up a large amount of my favourite muesli, and have since made some more...it has been really popular, and fills you up to get you through until lunch or dinner !

Here is what I do

Fill a large roasting dish with jumbo rolled oats and a litre of freshly squeezed orange juice, and a couple of cups each of coconut and wheatgerm.

Bake in a moderate oven until oats are lightly brown and toasted, turning them over all the while until the orange juice is absorbed. ( you can add some honey to this if you wish.)

When cooled, I add chopped prunes, apricots, cranberries, dried blueberries, small pieces of dried pineapple, bananas, papaya, cherries, then brazil nuts, cashews, almonds, hazel nuts, sunflower seeds, yoghurt raisins.

In the morning serve with a large dollop of yoghurt and some fresh fruit.

Some sustenance for the day ahead.