I've read The 39 Clues, it's not a long or complicated book: it's for children after all. I can go online and solve the puzzles and codes, I can shoot like Annie Oakley, but can I fly a plane?? No!! I cannot. You have to fly through giant hoops using the Up and Down Arrow keys. My plane ends up somewhere, miles off my computer screen, stuck in an endless loop-the-loop formation. It is very frustrating and I have had to ask MrsDrWho if any of the children in her class are participating, and can they fly the ten levels?? I can only make it to level four. I am nothing if not inept, I'm not of the computer game generation. The concept of the book is great, undemanding, and I'm looking forward to the eventual film. If only I could fly a stunt plane......
Now, to business from the last post. (Except Cloth and Soap Swap. Damn the PO)
Fringe: Well it's a kind of X-Files with a touch of Lost and Alias. I like it. It's not totally fantastic but there are quite a few clever lines and I am interested in the characters and The Pattern. It has potential. I may lose interest if they don't continue to improve: Lost and I parted company a long time ago.
The Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor: A rollicking good film. It's set in 1946 so Rick and Evelyn (after a WWII of espionage) have settled down unhappily to a quiet life. Their 21 year old son manages to disturb the Dragon Emperor and so begins their journey to Shangri-La and then a final huge battle at The Great Wall of China. There will be Mummy films 4, 5 and 6 as I know actors have signed on. This is no deep and meaningful film, but it's a great movie. I didn't look at my watch once!!!
New Books: I have my very own copies of A is for Apron and Knitting New Mittens and Gloves, and well as the new Autumn Interweave Knits, Delicious and BBC Good Food Australia. Yet I am not satisfied. I am desirous of two new books: Softies and More Softies. They aren't on The Book Depository and Fishpond only has the first book so I think I will just bite the bullet and buy them tomorrow in town.
I have been knitting as evidenced here: my Rose's Gloves. I am just about up to the part where you put the thumb stitches on waste yarn. I love the cable and moss pattern and it is surprisingly nice to do, not too fiddly at all. I am disappointed that the increases and decreases seem to show up on the palm side, but maybe careful washing and blocking will even them out. I am not quite sure how to block my gloves. Do I wash them, put on some rubber gloves, then put on Rose's Gloves and then waft my hands about, surgeon-like, till they are dry????
I sewed Mrs HouseOf a skirt for her birthday. I drafted the pattern, just a simple four gore skirt with a waist gathered to fit on a band. The fabric is a purple slightly stretchy damask with the silver roses woven in. And the great thing is that it doesn't need ironing if you hang it up carefully to dry. A boon for a mum of four who's off for a day of relief teaching. I think it looks quite nice when worn by The BareNakedLady!!!
Today is AFL Grand Final Day and so MrsDrWho and I took the opportunity to lunch with the BionicKnitter. Afterwards we shopped in a nearly deserted town. I bought 4 new green tops, they are scarce this year. Then we did some serious damage at The BlackSpot of Doomlight. I had a '40% off voucher if you spend $100'. We used it twice to buy Christmas Fabric. I will take pictures to post tomorrow as it's at the Time Lady's house.
Peri has taken the opportunity to attend the party next door through the fence separating us!! She does this every year, hoping for a plethora of treats. Happily no-one feeds her, but she has been sitting there for the three hours I have been home this afternoon, and was probably there for four more while I was out. Harki doesn't wait at the fence. She knows there is no hope of anything other than a pat.
A Beta version of Picasa 3 is available and so I have been using its new Collage facility. Here, for your enjoyment and amazement is a collage of 545 Labrador (and a few other dog) pictures!!! So many Labradors to love, so little time!!

Here's an easy recipe that's quite healthy as well as being very quick.
Spicy Lamb Wraps
500g lamb (pork, chicken or beef) cut into 3cm cubes
2 to 4 teaspoons of Tikka Masala curry paste : to your taste
1/3 cup plain natural yoghurt
olive oil, salt and pepper to taste
4 wraps warmed in the oven or microwave
1 red onion, sliced
chopped parsley
other salad ingredients of your choice
Mango Chutney
Put the meat, curry paste and yoghurt into a ziplock bag. Seaon as desired. Massage it well and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You can do this the night before. Heat the oil in a pan and then fry the meat, stirring every now and then, until it is cooked. This takes 7-10 minutes. Meanwhile slice the onion and chop the parsley. You can also add chopped tomato, some baby spinach, capsicum: whatever you fancy. Warm the wraps according to the directions on the packet and then place a quarter of the meat onto each wrap and top with the onion and parsley. I also like to add an extra dollop of yoghurt and maybe some Mango chutney. Enjoy!!!