Hockley Heights Gazette

The picture today shows that the weather in Perth and here in Wickford was exactly the same on Wednesday - what is with that? In December, England should be freezing and Perth should be frying? But apparently not!
As the US moves to shore up its economy, one is reminded of "Black Thursday" when similar rumblings produced a nasty depression. We'll see if the wobbly US economy can weather the current storm, but in the meantime a mini black thursday assaulted us yesterday. Although my toe redressing went well (thank you all the well wishers!), it still ranks as strike one on an ordinary day. Following quickly, strike two was a call from The Bromford's School. Mitchell was very unwell and needed to be picked up. Off I went and indeed saw a green-faced boy on arrival. Luckily I bought a bucket, it was well used in the next couple of hours! Finally, strike three was a phone call from Jackson who witnessed a friend of his being run over by a van as they were making their way back home from school. Jackson was required at the scene for an hour or so, and we had a very tough time last night working through a very ordinary day.
Let's hope that the weekend brings some brighter news for Jackson's recovering friend, Mitchell's empty internals, and my damn toe! Kym thinks strike four is the trains not running this morning, but surely a day at home with me is a positive. Isn't it Kym? Hello? Now where has she gone?

P.S. The nicest cake in the world...
2 cups SR flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp baking powder
few drops vanilla
1 cup strong black tea
1 cup mixed fruit

Pour lukewarm tea over mixed fruit and leave for a couple of hours. Mix with the remaining ingredients and bake in a 150C oven for 45 minutes. Cool, cut and eat! This is Dave the busdriver's recipe which we have been using in our school/work lunches for the last three years - nobody is sick of it yet. Onya Dave.

P.P.S. Late news Friday - Jackson's friend is at home, resting and recovering from a head injury and some internal injuries. Looks like she'll be OK!