we'll see if this works

need some info
I had a hard time trying to figure out how to post a message b/c on the main page when I clicked on Marijke under 'Contributors' I just get my profile (which is non-existent) and there are no other places to click unless one wants to comment on an existing post or check the archives or other profiles - so I went to the Blogger main page and there was a spot where you could fill in your name and password if you already had an account which brought me to 'post a message' page. Is that how I have to access it? Sorry, could not remember from when I did it last time and Sarah asked me how to post a message b/c she was having the same problem so I thought I would write this in for her info.Anyway - it is cold here -25C this morning - so my days have been taken up with stoking the furnace, bringing in wood, doing the teaching thing two days a week, working on a research paper (which is painful) and taking a daily trek with the dogs in the bush for an hour. So, Bert and Marianne, I hope you are enjoying warm weather - you picked a good time to go. I have some pictures I would like to post but since I do not have a digital camera I need to scan them in - so will do that when I get some free time (and some help from Carly). Anyone want to plan a trip to Australia for Sarah's graduation in December?

I think I got it

Thanks Carly - I think I ended up creating a new blog under my name and the posting went there instead of to the Huitema post. I also did not have this link in my files - http://www.blogger.com/start - so I don't know how I posted the first time.

Squash Soup

Prep the squash (~3lb) - cut in half, scrape out seeds and bake for an hour at 350 flat side down on a greased cookie sheet till it is soft and can be pierced with a fork easily.
Let cool, scrape out flesh and you can put that in the fridge till you want to make your soup.

Soup:
Sautee two medium/large leeks with an inch of ginger (finely chopped) in butter.
add four cups of chicken stock and the squash and simmer for 20 minutes breaking up the squash.
Puree in a blender. Add salt and pepper to taste and dilute with ~2 cups chicken stock to right consistency. Heat up and the server.
Be sure to puree really well.

Texas

Hi everyone,
We arrived here on Saturday and the weather was kind of cool for a few days, but now it is just great. It still took us about three days to drive down here driving 3082 km. We are just relaxing and reading as well as biking. We biked to Mexico the other day...a distance of about 10 miles each way.

We are in the library of the nearest town...about 14 miles from Falcon State Park...and this is where we have access to the internet. Hope the weather isn't too nasty for you all while we are gone.

Marianne and Bert

Someone loves his food and gets right into it!!

This photo initally included Debbie in the centre but she seemed to be having a nap and I thought I would spare her the unflattering resulting picture!! Could it have been the wine?? Lindsay and Carly didn't seem to be too affected, and since it was a good picture of both of them I proceeded to eliminate Debbie!! Hmmmm....wonder if Debbie reads this blog? I guess I will find out!!!

Natalie and Ashlay seem to be deep into conversation.

Matty is relaxing during our Christmas Day celebrations.

We had a lovely Christmas Day at Isabel's and Bill's place. This is a picture of Monique taken before our Christmas Dinner.

At the back of our farm when we went to get our Christmas tree this year.

Donna, Aukje and Marijke having a chat at the party.

Matty and Donna at Aukje's birthday party.

Aukje`s Birthday

Hello,
I heard that Aukje's birthday was a success (was it also a surprise?). Anyone have pictures or stories to tell?
And Aukje, if you read this - Happy Birthday!

Bert was raking the lawn this morning and when I asked if I could post this he told me to post one of me instead...so I found the old one of me and the old tree, posted it, and now I can post this neat one of Bert.

This was a picture taken in February 2004 in Texas of the oldest tree in the U.S....700 years old. Near Port Aransas State Park which is on the Gulf of Mexico.

greetings from Petworth

Okay here goes. If this is successful I may try to send Carly a picture or two. No big news - a beautiful sunny day today but I was stuck inside all day teaching. Tomorrow it's back to the gardening or maybe trying to get my wood in for the winter or maybe working on my research paper. Lots of choices.

Marijke and Mary at the birthday party for Marijke at Stef's house.

Hello From Down Under!

Hey everyone, just thought I'd try out this Blog thing. Such a great idea! I hope everyone is doing well and keeping out of trouble. Blog ya soon!
Love ~SARAH~

This is a typical Martha's pose....taken at Marijke's birthday party.

Polar Bear and friend at Toronto Zoo