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OK, so yes, I have been quite AWOL over the past month but I have some great excuses. Most of them have to do with the fact that we moved house 3 weeks ago and I’m still recovering. Not physically recovering mind you – it’s more of a mental thing. I find that I’m quite fragile when dealing with big changes like this. I work myself up into quite a state and without the antidepressants and other mood stabilisers that I previously relied upon (I weaned myself off all the tablets three years ago) I’ve since discovered I’m really quite unable to deal with big bursts of stress. I’ve got a referral to see a behavioural therapist but have been on the waiting list for an appointment for the last 5 weeks. Oh, to be stress and medication free – could such a scenario really exist? We’ll wait and see.

Benny went in for an operation last Tuesday. He had to have a large perianal adenoma (I know! Yuck!) removed from a precarious spot on his ‘business end’. He is a trooper though and seems to be recovering ok. The Dr and pathologist are a little concerned about some abnormal cells and they’re investigating further. Finger’s and toes crossed that things work out. I love my little man. He is so sweet and good natured. I would hate for there to be anything wrong.

What else? I’ve been doing a lot of writing. Paid, client stuff – not the novel, unfortunately. Though I have found some time to work on defining my main character. Images help my writing so I’ve started up a pinboard on Pinterest that get my creative juices flowing. Are you on Pinterest? Let me know if you are.

Regular posting to resume from…..now!

July is all about songs I loved in the ’90′s. Memories.

July is all about songs I loved in the ’90′s. Memories.

July is all about songs I loved in the ’90′s. Memories.

July is all about songs I loved in the ’90′s. Memories.

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This month I’m featuring my favourite songs ever. I hope you like them too! Let me know what your favourite songs of all time are.

I made this last night and whoa nelly it made my nose run. Might try adding a little less chili next time!

Ingredients
1/2 cup plain flour
1.5kg chuck steak, cut into 3cm pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 brown onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 red capsicum, deseeded, cut into 2cm pieces
2 long red chillies, deseeded, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground chilli powder
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup water
sour cream, and warm corn tortillas, to serve

Instructions
1. Place flour in a shallow dish. Season with salt and pepper. Lightly coat beef in flour.
2. Heat oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook beef, in small batches, for 3 to 4 minutes or until browned, adding more oil if required. Transfer to a plate, cover to keep warm.
3. Add onion and garlic to pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes or until tender. Add capsicum, chilli, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, cumin, paprika and chilli powder. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic. Add tomatoes and water and bring to the boil.
4. Pour mixture into slow cooker. Add meat and stir until well combined. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or until meat is tender and sauce is thick.
5. Serve with sour cream, avocado and tortillas.

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