It’s always good to try something new. It’s Easter Monday and after a long and lovely weekend, we are having a quiet day around the house, the sun is shining, I am trying to finish my book club book, Villette by Charlotte Bronte, with its old English language and 657 pages, it has been quite a challenge. Finally about page 590 it started to get interesting and I am actually keen to read it at last!!! Shame it took so long, but never mind, that’s at least what you get for persevering I say.
Beautiful wind-swept vista
As for trying something new, yesterday we went to Bethells beach for the first time, on the suggestion of my youngest daughter. Not being from Auckland originally, we had never ventured out there. The west coast with its wild beaches, black sand and enormous surf never appealed to me with small children.
But it was beautiful, wild, open and windswept and it reminded me of the route 
to Ocean Beach up north when I was a child, of 
Lencois Maranhanses 
in Brazil because of its wide sandy entrance, lake and dunes. It was the depiction of freedom. It brings to mind the importance of doing and trying new things, even if its doing simple things in your own neighbourhood. These experiences add richness and depth to your life as well as give you a greater understanding of where you live. Living in a bubble is fine, but branching out is even better.
A sunny day
Freedom imbues
from ocean blue
as white water and sand
black and sparkling in late afternoon sun
moulds around my toes
and gives me a sense of yesterday
and tomorrow,
of promises untold
of a bright future
an openness on the ocean tide seas over which
to glide and explore, and opportunities to encounter possibilities galore
.
Today I’m sharing my Apple Crumble 
recipe with you. It’s a simple one, that’s easy and quick to prepare. It’s yum for pudding, and breakfast and any time of the day in fact!!
Apple Crumble
- 7 apples peeled and sliced
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup scotch oats
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 150g softened butter
Peel the apples and slice. Boil in a pot in a small amount of water with the lid on until just soft. Pour into an oven ware dish. Put the flour into a bowl and rub in the butter with you fingertips. 
Add the other dry ingredients and mix well. 
Pour over the top of the apples and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes or until the crumble is golden. 
