As we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them,

Nor the years condemn,

At the going down of the sun

And in the morning

We will remember them.

Ive just had a really wonderful morning. As all Australians/New Zealanders would know, today is ANZAC day. ANZAC stands for Australia New Zealand Army Corps, and because my three boys are scouts they were asked to participate in the dawn service with the war veterans . Our household was up at 5.15am, I made hot chocolate for everyone, we wrapped the 2yo in blankets, bundled her into the pram and we walked the 15 minutes to the war memorial.  It was a nice way to wake up. The boys took the service extremelly seriously and as a group the scouts all did a wonderful job. We then headed over to the RSL for brekkie.........sausage sizzle, vegemite toast and Bundaberg Rum in the coffee! (lucky I drink tea!!) We were fortunate enough to be introduced to a man named Eric, he was 93 and had served in New Guinea during WWII in the air force. He had an impressive array of medals which attracted my boys eyes straight away. As we sat and nibbled our toast this lovely, gentle old man sat with my boys as they asked him question after question about the war and his medals. He was sofly spoken and partially deaf, so they had to listen closely as he explained about the airplanes he had looked after, the ships he had travelled on and what it was like during those years as a soldier. He was able to show them photos of some of the old bombers that he had worked on too which they were really interested in.

 Then as the lure of the old guns and weapons on display drew my boys attention away, he sat and held my hand as he told me the personal story of *his* war:  he had sold his little corner shop so he could enlist leaving his young wife and 4yo son at home. His beautiful baby daughter was born while he was serving in Borneo. He was in tears (so was I!) as he described his time in service: the friends he lost, his cousin who died in Galipolli, his wifes packages to him with her photos and letters that meant so much.

I dont have a relative who served in any of the wars, so I really enjoyed listening to Eric and his stories. I could have sat there all day I think. My husband, my boys and I discussed him and his adventurous tales all the way home. I had some pretty good *parent* moments too.  I was really proud of the way my sons took such a special interest in Eric and treated him with such respect. I have to admit I did feel pretty proud of them.

I hope my children will get other chances to talk to some other war veterans: they have such wonderful tales to tell and can offer our children so much, besides giving our children the chance to serve and honour these well-deserving older ladies and gentlemen.

We are off to make ANZAC biscuts now! Have a great day.

ANZAC Biscuits

There are a few theories on the origins of ANZAC biscuits (or ANZAC Cookies for Americans) but it is certain that they came about during the First World War, around 1914/15.

Some say that they started as biscuits made by the Troops in the trenches with provisions they had at hand to relieve the boredom of their battle rations. And some say they came about due to resourceful of the women on the "home front" in an endeavour to make a treat for their loved ones that would survive the long journey by post to the war front.

There is even the suggestion that they originated from Scottish Oatmeal Cakes which is entirely possible. Whatever the origin, they have won the hearts of all Aussies the globe over as the pseudo National Biscuit.

And here is how to make them, it is dead simple. If I can make them, anyone can!

Ingredients

·         1 cup plain flour

·         1 cup rolled oats (regular oatmeal) uncooked

·         1 cup desiccated coconut

·         1 cup brown sugar

·         1/2 cup butter

·         2 tbsp golden syrup (or honey)

·         1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

·         2 tbsp boiling water

Method

·         Combine the flour (sifted), oats, coconut and sugar in a bowl.

·         Melt the butter and Golden Syrup (or honey) in a saucepan over a low heat..

·         Mix the bicarbonate of soda with the water and add to the butter and Golden Syrup.

·         Pour the liquids into the dry ingredients and mix well.

·         Spoon dollops of mixture, about the size of a walnut shell, onto a greased tin leaving as much space again between dollops to allow for spreading.

·         Bake in a moderate oven, 180C / 350F, for 15-20 minutes.

·         Cool on a wire rack and seal in airtight containers.

Tips

·         The American tablespoon is a little smaller than the British tablespoon, so be generous with your Golden Syrup (or Honey) and Water.

·         If you have any thoughts of keeping the biscuits for any length of time I suggest you keep them in a padlocked container!

For a little variety you may wish to add 2 teaspoons of ginger spice or even Wattle Seeds, a recent addition but don't ask me where to get them.

Mmmm, ANZAC Biscuits.

Enjoy!