Okay, given that I posted my wrap-up of February yesterday, a super-quick 5 things that made me smile, think, or fist pump last week.
1.Rainbows
It was Mardi Gras in Sydney on Saturday night so apparently the whole city was decked in rainbows. I only saw this one – near the rental cars opposite terminal 2 at Sydney airport.
2. Scotland the Brave
There’s a lot to love about Scotland, but here is one more. Scotland is set to be the first country in the world to make period products free. You can read about it here.
3. Wee Beasties
Critters such as this massive illuminated blowfly (at the Canberra Centre) are dotted around Canberra at the moment for Enlighten Canberra.
If you’re in Canberra over the next few weeks check out this post by my bloggy friend Christine for details of what’s on.
4. The piano at The Loo With A View
It’s been there for a while now and I keep meaning to tell you about it. It was taken away at one point – word was the council took it away because people in the holiday accommodation along The Esplanade complained.
Anyways, popular opinion won out and it’s back.
When we were in Hong Kong airport back in January, waiting for our connecting flight, there was a sleek looking piano at the gate where we were waiting. I said to Sarah, ‘I reckon I should go and play “Chopsticks” or “Heart and Soul”‘ (the only two things I can remember). She did the raised eyebrow thing she does and I sat down and read some of my book instead.
This young girl – she looked about 10 – walked up and sat down and began to play…a really complicated classical piece. Sarah and I burst into giggles. Spoiler alert: you probably won’t hear anything like that coming from the piano at the beach!
5. Nigella’s Red Velvet Cupcakes
Sarah has been “suggesting” for some time that I make red velvet cupcakes for her. She has been suggesting it over and over and over. So I gave in.
These ones in Nigella’s “Kitchen” – and also handily online here – are straightforward to make and super light. They’re actually the lightest cupcakes I’ve ever made. I think it probably has something to do with the buttermilk. Come to think about it, I think I had something on my 101 things list about making light as air cupcakes…that would be another tick.
They take almost an entire tube of red colouring paste – about a tablespoon – and are scarily red as a result which, fortunately, is the way Sarah likes them. You do, however, need CSI type gloves on standby.
What made you smile, think or fist pump the air last week?
And Anyways... 
Those Red Velvet Cupcakes definitely made me smile. Sarah has great taste!
They were very red indeed…Let’s just say she resented having to take some into work to share.
I could use one of those cupcakes about now.
I haven’t tried them but by all accounts they’re my best yet…although they could just be saying that so I make them again… lol
Never mind about the red fingers, did Sarah have a red tongue after the cupcakes?! Next time you see a lonely piano, I hope you seize the moment and play a tune!
I play a mean version of chopsticks…
Those cupcakes look delish! The piano story is funny. It would have been fun if you went and played Chopsticks after the girl had finished! I’m sure it would have brought smiles to other passengers too.
Thinking of you, my friend, during this difficult time. Sending up prayers for your family’s comfort and strength. I am sure your mama left a big whole in your family. She was a cutie.
I like red velvet anything and your cupcakes look so moist and delicious. I can almost taste that icing through the images on my laptop monitor. Yum!
Bravo to Scotland! I wish the pill was free. I think it would prevent a number of unwanted pregnancies. My daughter is a NICU nurse and she has a significant number of drug mothers delivering their 10th, 15th and last week 17th baby. Babies hooked on drugs themselves. With a host of lifelong problems from the drugs. So sad.