September

September came and went so fast.  We did everything and nothing; it's hard to remember how we filled our days.  Luckily, once again, we used the camera occasionally and so, here it is: September.

Our conversion to vegetarianism is continuing. Slowly our repertoire of recipes is expanding. This is one dish we all enjoyed - tofu ricotta (so easy to make), tomato and avocado on home baked power packed toast with carrot sticks.  It looked so pretty on the plate I had to take a picture :)

We've been doing lots of research into the best foods to eat so that we get all the essential nutrients we need and have been pleasantly surprised to find that a plant based diet can give us all we need, despite what the meat and dairy industries would have us believe.  This documentary (and associated website) has inspired me immensely.  This film also made me think hard about the suffering of animals caused by humans. It is so confronting and upsetting that I've only watched 20 minutes of it so far, but I hope to see the rest soon. I urge everyone to view it.

Speaking of animals, the girls and I joined up with a group of  'girly' homeschoolers and took a trip to the zoo.  We had a great day and met some new friends. The Snork Maiden was in charge of the camera with big plans for her blog, so I will just post a few pics here. The rest she can use in her Zoo exclusive ;)

Splashing Spoonbills by Moomintroll

a shot of our friends. just to show that we do actually hang out with other h/schoolers!

what better way to eat lunch than up a tree?

Our gamelan group was invited to play at Festival Indonesia at Freshwater Place.  We played for 30 minutes in the hot hot sun. Apart from a little sunstroke, it was a great day out.

setting up

getting ready

wish I'd brought a hat

After our performance the girls made their own batik using authentic tools and very hot wax. 

 

 

 Then we wandered off to Federation Square to watch a lion dance at the Vietnamese Festival.

Workwise the girls have just been going along doing their own things. Moomintroll is still working on her reading and writing and is enjoying making many short movies on PhotoBooth.  The Snork Maiden is happy with her Distance Ed maths course and has started using Mathletics. She really gets a kick out of competing against kids from Mexico!  She and P have been investigating tessellating shapes and spent a day making their own after watching this video.  What a great activity - maths and art all rolled into one!

P's tessellation

tessellation by the Snork Maiden

What else.... oh yes I had a birthday! I had a lovely day, dinner out and lots of lovely presents including Vera the Vitamix,a shiny new swiss army knife and a voucher from some very sweet, special friends.

Right now the Snork Maiden is on her first Guide camp - a three night/four day Jamborella.  We all miss her alot and can't wait till Wednesday when she comes home.