I have just handed in the edited version of Shooting Butterflies. My right hand aches for extended mouse use. Guess as we get older out bodies let us know that they don’t like things we repeat over and over... A I usually do so much typing and not mouse work, it isn’t usually a problem, but the little Logitech one I have is just not going to cut it any more. Admittedly hubby already bought me a trackpad last year when I got my new mini. I hated it and chucked it to one side. BUT I guess I should begin training with it now to avoid that pain ever again.... and I will also go in search of a bigger mouse that is ergonomically designed for my size hand...I know its a first world problem, but I can’t have sore hands as a writer - thats kind of counter productive.

Talking hands - I can’t hurt them on my work, especially since I just paid for special wraps to go over my knuckles at Boootcamp for our boxing class and got my own gloves to ensure I don’t hurt my hands when I’m doing my exercise class. I have been enjoying it so much. The hard work reminds me a lot of hockey training,( without the bruises) as does the new friendships that are beginning to form there. Doesn’t matter of anyones profession, social standing, or size and fitness level, as long as you are there, you have a great time!

Yet, the last week while I have been holed up in my study - life continued outside the widow, it rained, my roses bloomed, and more weeds grew tall in my garden! I know the world doesn’t stop because I want it too, but I sure wish sometimes I could slow-it-down!!!

So what else was I up to lately?

Back in February I was approached on Facebook by a reader who was part of a book group on the South Side. She had read my book, and recommended it to her group. Enter into my life - Jan Hartz. She introduced me to the librarian, and we got talking about a date to go to the library and visit with the readers etc etc etc ( Yes,I watched The King and I recently... )

20th May was chosen as the date for my visit south. I looked forward to it.

Thank you Jan Hartz for reaching out to me on my author Facebook page, because of you I got to spend a wonderful morning with people who were interesting and who were interested in my work. I was so happy that you go there too! Despite the detour home on your way to the library!

I made milktarts for my latest library author talk. Have loved this series of talks when I just got to talk about me the author, who I am and what makes me tick to write my African themed books. So this week I visited over the Gateway Bridge and south - to the Redlands Council area and Capalaba.

The problem with making these size milk tarts is that not knowing how many people there would be, because I made 24. There were about 40 people there... So next time I will make rusks or cooksisters, and ensure that there are plenty for everyone, even the late comers.














This is the recipe , with my personal notes on it, if you are interested in trying to make a South African Milk Tart.

I always use the microwave option in this, because:
1. Its fail proof. I’m famous for black pots, and burnt milk doesn’t taste so great.
2. And a glass pyrex dish cleans easier in the dishwasher than a burnt pot. (Yes, I am an African Princess and hate washing dishes!)


Milk Tart – ‘Melktart’

Filling:-
1 litre milk – boiled
4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
pinch salt

• Whisk all except the milk.
• Pour boiling milk over the mixed mixture. (I usually boil in a bigger pyrex dish, mix in a smaller one, then pop a little of the boiled milk into the little dish, then pour it back into the bigger one, and do everything in the bigger one. It gives you more room for the mixture to rise up if you are not watching it properly, and not flow all over the microwave.)
• Conventional: Boil 4 – 10 minutes on low heat.
• Microwave: 5 - 6 minutes - BUT only cook 1 minute at a time on 100% and whisk after each minute to make up that time. It should be quite thick when it comes out. If you get lumps, just keep whisking, they will come out.

• Add 30g butter
• 1tsp vanilla essence
• Whisk again until all mixed in properly. The butter makes it almost clear away from the side of the glass Pyrex .

• Pour into 3 pre-made pie moulds or spoon into 24 little pre-made individual moulds and I large pre-made pie mould.
• Sprinkle cinnamon over the top.
• Set in the refrigerator.

I think this recipe first came out a recipe book when I went to a microwave lesson at Hirshes in Durban, South Africa. But I can’t be sure, so credits go to whoever made this recipe that it can be done on both a stove top or a microwave, and I thank them because it just works. A no fuss recipe!

Enjoy!

When I do talks I always give away a book too.The winner for the book at Capalaba was Lyn. She was having a hard week with things happening in her family, so to win a lucky door prize was extra special to her. I’m glad the book went to a home where some positive energy was needed and she will get some enjoyment out of kicking up her feet and reading my Brother-But-One.

Congrats Lyn!



















The library did take a heap of photies, so hoping that I will be able to share those with you next time.


My new keyboard arrived at the door yesterday. I was sure excited to see it. My keyboard suddenly stopped working while on writing deadline for Shooting Butterflies, so I was using out spare - but it has no zero key... so after I told someone to write a 10 word bio instead of a 100 word BIO I was kind of happy to see it. My own typo’s are bad enough, but that one I was putting squarely at the foot of the dodgy keyboard!

Now I have no excuse.... all errors are just mine....


















Sneak glimpse into my 2015 release: Tears of A Cheetah. I also met someone else special at Capalaba Library - retired safari guide Sallyanne Peters from Taronga Western Plains Zoo, in Dubbo, NSW. And she had the most amazing news when we were talking. I was looking for information of the King Cheetah’s - and they have them in their breeding program! West of Sydney is a lot closer for me to research and ensure that my information in my book is correct, than South Africa, Experts right here in Australia for my genealogy research!!!! Yeah!

A king cheetah has some stripes incase you wanted to see what they look like.... This picture belongs to: http://www.businessinsider.com.au/how-a-cheetah-gets-its-stripes-2012-9 - not to me - but it is brilliant in showing the glimpse I want to show... the king Cheetah is the one on the RIGHT.(The story there was written by : Stephanie Pappas on Twitter @sipappas or LiveScience @livescience on Facebook & Google+. )


























The only other news is that I will be in Sydney on 31st May for an informal book signing.

Basically I will be at:

Guylian Belgian Chocolate Cafe
Darling Quarter
TR5/TR6
1-25 Harbour Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

From 10:30am to 12.30pm

You are welcome to join me at the cafe for an informal chatter, something cold or hot in the chocolate range if you want to, and get your book signed. I will bring some books with me to sell too.

Looking forward to seeing some faces I know, and some I will get to know there!

Until next time, when we chat again.

Bye 4 now
Tina