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Week 4

A super highlight of the past week would have to be that we finally got to swim/soak/submerge in cool water, the first time of this USA Summer! Of course, we had to climb down to the bottom of the Gorge first - and in the heat, donning sloffies. Oh but it was all worth it!
Starting off, we found little rock pool puddles to splash in. We sat toe deep in the water and dreamed of greater things... Then curiosity and constant exposure to direct sunlight prompted us to venture around the corner and there we found DEEP waters and slightly more shaded sitting place. Ahhhh!
Eventually, we had to pack up and make our way to the car. But first, the hike back! (I should probably note that I still have some calf stiffness.) To say that we were silly-happy-tired by the time we walked in at home would be an understatement of note. Loads of smiles...

 

This week has seen some more extremely hot weather days - the neighbouring town has opened their public pool for free to local residents (boo!) and there are posters up all around reminding people to stay cool and hydrated. My Baby has found another genius hack for humidity-harassed hair:


We baked a family favourite this week - chocolate cake with bananas, caramel and fresh cream. I'd post a photo, but it was all cut up (and swallowed) by the time I returned from the washing up so you'll just have to imagine it! I must mention, though, that the caramel was home made by Dear Husband! Here's a photo of the pancake breakfast he prepared on a previous morning. Zoom in to see the pot up close on the top.


When J's class teacher in SA agreed to a short video call, she was so excited! The call time was set for 07:40am our time and J asked me to wake her at 06:00am. When I got up to call her, she was already awake - hair brushed and all. As I watched her take the call, I couldn't help but tear up a little. She seemed to have a little rush of a mix of feelings too - familiarity, fun, friendships, longing, joy, laughs. I don't think she'd realised that all of this could come out of one 5 minute video call. Her friends recited a poem "The Old Gumbie Cat" by T S Eliot and took turns checking in on her and giving her their own little update. They also reminded her to brush up on her knowledge of Hermes - from Greek Myths. What a special treat.


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