House full of blokes

While much of the South Island and the South of the North was reeling from the devastating earthquake last week, Cromwell kept ticking along - counting our blessings, checking our survival kits and emergency evacuation procedures.  Our thoughts have definitely been with the communities disrupted and affected by this major event.  It has certainly given us all pause for thought about our own preparedness and the safety of our homes and communities. Back in little old Cromwell it was junior pantomime week.  Our four New Entrant/Year 1 classes and a Year 2 class joined forces to present the rollicking tale of The Three Billy Goats Gruff.  The majority of the children are 5 and 6 years old and they did an amazing job of singing and dancing along to the tale for three performances.  Five classes of children for a tale with four main characters means quite a stretch in imagination - we had a class of fantails, a class who made the bridge, a class of billy goats, a class of trolls and a cla

Another big week - they all seem to be this time of year and I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling that way.  Monday of course brought the long anticipated first Community Board meeting for our new board.  I was of running late - I got pulled into a classroom so that the teacher could deal with an issue - I was on time for the 2pm start - just didn't quite make it for the 1:30pm briefing.  Robin didn't give me any grief this time - I'm sure he was thinking this is a pattern...becoming a habit. It's official - I have a badge It all felt a wee bit strange walking into chambers, name plate on the table, my fellow elected members around the main table, and a wee bit wedding like, the CODC executive team at the head of the table.  The media off to the side and public on seats along the wall. The meeting started with the elected members being sworn in.  I was a wee bit worried that this would have a religious element - I felt reassured when I read the meeting

We love carbonara at the Harry house.  It is a meal that is rich and decadent - but can be a cheap and cheerful flat meal made with cream, eggs, a small amount of bacon and parmesan - follow the link to my smoked chicken and bacon version (you can easily omit the chicken or bacon) Smoked Chicken and Bacon Carbonara .  This is not the budget friendly version.  This is a truly decadent version made with Stewart Island smoked salmon that I purchased at the Cromwell Farmer's market.  Stewart Island smoked salmon is hot smoked.  It has an intense and woody smoked flavour - absolutely amazing on a platter, eaten simply on crackers or rustic bread - but also amazing in this recipe that feeds 4-6 people.  The addition of some capers right at the end would really complement the rich smokiness - unfortunately I didn't have any this evening - it was still great without them. Ingredients 500ml cream 200g hot smoked salmon - chunked 3 eggs 3 spring onions - chopped 1/2-1/3 cup coa

My week was a bit of a whirlwind affair with a few community events and activities for me.  I attended the Central Otago Primary School Athletics Championships on Tuesday with the 54 strong Goldfields Team. The start of the Year 6 boys 800m race.  Goldfields boys were first and second in this event - awesome result! This is a fantastic event run by COPSSA (Central Otago Primary Schools Sport Association).  The Terrace School in Alexandra take the lead role in the organisation of the athletics day, which is held at Molyneux Park.  Each school takes responsibility for managing an event and we have the amazing Mrs Simmers from Goldfields on the long jump every year.  We are very grateful that even though she has moved into semi retirement, she still agreed to come and play in the sand pit this year.  Athletics day is a huge organisational effort with schools from Queenstown, Wanaka and throughout Central Otago sending students aged 8-13 along to compete. It is a really big day for