December News from The River House

Christmas Wishes
Well its almost Christmas again! And what a great part of the year this is - always full of promise and anticipation. We hope that your Festive season will be full of happiness and good cheer, wherever you are, with an exciting and healthy New Year ahead.

We take this time to spend with our seven children, and now six Grand children (the sixth arriving just three weeks ago), so always a lively and rewarding time. After much time in preparation, what with the Christmas puddings - the much valued handed-down recipe from Helen's Mum - endless shopping and wrapping, after careful consideration of everyones needs - we are ready to relax and enjoy a short break with family. May yours be a safe and joyous one.

Coincidence or What!
Things happen some times and it seems very uncanny. Last week we had, as always, lovely guests, this time from Port Macquarie and Ron is a retired float plane pilot. Breakfast on the deck had finished and we were out talking in the sunshine when the sound of an approaching aeroplane stalled our conversation. We watched attentively as a small plane circled us high above and then came in to land - on the Tamar River opposite The River House! Ron turned to me and asked if this was a daily event, but nothing could have been further from the truth - I have never seen this happen before in the seven years we have been here.  And Ron hadn't arranged it!  How's that - the only time we have had a float plane land in sight of us here ( I always called them sea planes before meeting Ron) and a retired float plane pilot is our guest!  I learnt lots about float planes, thanks Ron. What might happen next?

Queen Victoria  Art Gallery
This unique Victorian building, first officially opened as Launceston's Museum and Art Gallery in 1891, was officially opened as the refurbished new dedicated Art Gallery in September 2011. And what a great and beautiful building this is with its magnificent Atrium and collection of important works. This is the second site, with the Inveresk Museum at the 19th Century railway workshop, housing the natural science and history collections, making it the largest regional museum in Australia. Both sites have tempting cafes and there is the addition of Blue as an extra choice in the Inveresk Museum grounds; there is much to enjoy here.

Seaport.
Some  kind guests brought back a new flyer which gives great information on what is available in this area, especially for easily accessible quality dining options. Importantly there are now  seven tantallising restaurants all in one spot and just twelve minutes easy drive down the road, making the choice even harder, but so easy to get right.

And Now for the Lemon Slice!
Thank you to guests  who have been enquiring after our lemon-slice recipe and showing a mammoth degree of patience. But here it is, in time for after Christmas, when you are wondering what to eat after the mince pies and Christmas pud have gone!

1/2 cup butter (4oz)
1 packet sweet (morning coffee) biscuits
1 cup coconut
grated  rind of one lemon
1/2 can of condensed milk
lemon icing

Crush biscuits, add coconut and lemon rind.
Melt butter, add cond. milk, mix and pour over the above ingredients.
Press into "greased" tin and cover with lemon icing.
Sprinkle with coconut - Helen uses shredded.

Cut up into squares and place in fridge for a little time.
Hope you enjoy and Merry Christmas to all.  
Helen and Carl.