Sunday, 19 August 2012

A Corpse at St Andrews Chapel {52 in 52}

This week in 52 in 52...
A Corpse at St Andrew's Chapel
  • Format: Paperback
  • Number of Pages: 256
  • Publisher:  Monarch Books
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • ISBN: 978-1-85424-954-8
  • Author Melvin R.Starr
Last week I shared about one of the best books I have read in a while.This week I have completed the sequel and am onto the third book in the chronicle in the series.

I enjoyed becoming better acquainted with Hugh in this second chronicle detailing his duties as bailiff.  As with book one this chronicle has been written in the first person and Hugh takes us with him as he attempts to unravel the double mystery before him. Melvin has done a stirling job of taking the reader into 1300's for it's way and wit.  His descriptions of medical procedures are an interesting look into medieval ways. As always his use of out of the ordinary language is inspiring and entertaining. I enjoyed this book immensely and recommend it to you and your family.

Melvin Starr is an avid student of medieval English and surgery and has written a page turning novel featuring Hugh de Singleton.  Melvin's website hosts a great set of resources and you are able to read the first chapter to whet your appetite for the book.
  1. The Unquiet Bones
  2. A Corpse at St Andrew's Chapel
  3. The Trail of Ink
  4. Unhallowed Ground
  5. The Tainted Coin

No sense in reinventing the wheel.  Here is a snippet of what others are saying about this book:

In the words of Rebecca
"Wow, what a great book! Mel Starr, the author, has a really great writing style and I enjoyed the book immensely. I liked that the book was written in the first person and I also liked that it’s medieval history. Starr did a phenomenal job with the time period, the language, the religious aspects and the characters while winding multiple mysteries throughout the tale."

From Mel Starr Publisher's Description-
"Alan, the beadle of the medieval manor of Bampton, had gone out at dusk to seek those who might violate curfew. When, the following morning, he had not returned home, his young wife Matilda sought out Master Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff of the manor. Two days later Alan’s corpse was discovered in the hedge, at the side of the track to St Andrew’s Chapel. His throat had been torn out – his head was half severed from his body – and his face, hands and forearms were lacerated with deep scratches. Master Hugh, meeting Hubert the coroner at the scene, listened carefully to the coroner’s surmise that a wolf had caused the great wound. And yet ... if so, why was there so little blood?."

Book Reviews on the www:

Buy the book: Amazon, Book Depository, Kindle, Fishpond, eBook, Koorong, Christian Book.

Blessings





This post is linking to Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks.

Saturday, 18 August 2012

Dutchmans Pudding

Ingredients

Pudding
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon apricot jam
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
Sauce
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
  • 250 grams butter
Method 

Pudding 
  • Preheat oven to 180'C
  • Cream egg and sugar
  • Add vinegar and jam. Mix well.
  • Add dry ingredients and mix
  • Add bicarb to milk.
  • Add to sugar and dry ingredients. Mix well.
  • Pour into oven proof dish bake for 20-30 min until golden brown and skewer comes out clean.
Sauce
  • Put all ingredients into a pot.
  • Bring to the boil.
  • Pour over cooked pudding upon removal from oven.
Serve hot or cold. Serve with cream or ice cream.

This is my families favourite pudding.
Blessings
Chareen

Friday, 17 August 2012

HSMJ - Happy Birthday LEGO


In my life this week…
I have purposed to be home more this week and really enjoyed the experience.  Feeling more rested.We had the most glorious day earlier this week that has me longing for crystal clear spring days and warming up. I could hear the birds chattering and calling as they drank nectar from the tree next door.

In our homeschool this week…
  • We watched the Olympic 2012 closing ceremony and measured out the world records for men's and woman's high jump.
  • It was LEGO's 80th birthday last Friday and Jeanne posted this neat YouTube clip on their history.  Sir N and I enjoyed watching this together.
  • We are working on understanding place value in math. 
  • Sir N finished the third book in Language Arts Go For the Code.
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
I am inspired by…

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
  • Saturday -We rested at home after our super busy week last week.
  • Sunday - I babysat my two nieces while my sister and her half went to the Canada expo in Melbourne.
  • Monday - Blew the dust off our bicycles and went for a ride to visit the T family. 
  • Tuesday - Kelly sports and shopping for a second hand couch. We also watched the Olympic closing ceremony.
  • Wednesday  Took Miss J for an interview and Sir N had swimming lessons
  • Thursday - Stayed home. 
  • Friday - Dinner date with the T family and shared a traditional South African pudding.  It's a variation of the Malva pudding that our family enjoys called Dutchman's pudding.

My favorite thing this week was…
  • Thinking about a statement Sir N made last week:  "Sorry I didn't hear you I was concentrating on my Thoughts!"

What’s working/not working for us…
  • school first in the morning.

Questions/thoughts I have…
  • Do you know of an Angry Birds game rehab ?  My son downloaded the android game on my tablet and this is where I now find Paul and Sir N on a daily basis.  :)
  • I am in the process of creating a Homeschool Curriculum board on Pinterest.  It's been a while since I have researched or heard about what's new.  Please have a look and let me know of curriculum to add to the list.
Things I’m working on…
  • Some ideas for posts on Homeschooling High School.  I'm considering joining in on the Homeschool High School Carnival which I read about at Seven Little Australians and is starting next month.
  • Making Character Trait Trading Cards to go along with the book Get Wisdom!  I feel a little frustrated as I was hoping that there would be an online template I could use for free. Alas I have not found one.
  • I am also back to by bible study and blogging with my Mom over at One Year Through the Word.
I’m reading…
I’m cooking…
On Pinterest I found...

I’m grateful for…
  •  For Homeschoolers on Pinterest who find all sorts of treasures to post onto their boards.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
Do as little as possible, as well as possible.Cutting back is hard, but just as flowers bloom best when properly pruned, so will your life.- Kat in her post I'm done living a Walmart life

Blessings

Chareen