Yes, our solar panels are UP!

In recent years, solar panels have become very popular. With the increase in electricity rates and the Government rebate system about to be reduced, every house in Australia is racing to put the solar panels on to their roofs and our house is one of them. After shopping around and comparing prices, the quality and the guarantees, we decided to buy a 2Kw system from True Value Solar.

We purchased in the middle of June, just before the Government planned reduce the rebate. I felt a little worried when the installation kept on being delayed due to the many rainy days this winter. That's why I was so happy when on Monday morning, somebody knocked our door and said that they had come to install our panels. Unfortunately, I had class on Monday afternoon, so I couldn't stay to watch the installation process. But David took some pictures for me and with the solar guy's help, I also got some pictures from the roof.  

Well, here are those pictures.

   

Looks good, right?! Hopefully, in few months, we won't have any electricity bills to pay. ^_^

Making Marmalade

My new life in Adelaide is very colourful and full of learning processes. There is always something new and interesting to learn. In between my busy school life, I try to find time to learn about life in my new country. Today, I learned how to made marmalade from my father in law. He is an expert and almost once a year he makes a batch for his friends at the card club. 


This is how to make marmalade.


Step 1 :

Prepare 4 pounds of fruit (just under 2 kilos), consisting of grapefruit, oranges, lemons, mandarins and pineapple. Dice finely leaving the skin on the citrus fruit. Add 8 pints of water (around 4.8 litres) and leave overnight. 


Step 2 : 

The next day, bring the mixture to the boil and boil it for 1 hour to soften the fruit and make sure it's cooked properly. 

Step 3 :
Add 12 pounds sugar to the mixture and continue to boil for a further 45 minutes. The sugar acts as a preservative, so you can keep it for a long time. 

Step 4 :
While the marmalade was cooking, wash the jars using hot water without soap and then warm them in the oven. 

Step 5 :
Keep stirring the marmalade until it becomes golden brown in colour.

Step 6 :
Put a little bit of marmalade on a plate and let it cool to test whether it is thick enough. If it is still too watery, cook a few more minutes and test again.

Step 7 :
While still hot, put the marmalade into the warm jars. 

Step 8 :
Put the caps on immediately........

Step 9 :
So when they are put outside to cool, a vacuum will form making the seal complete. 

Once cooled, the marmalade is ready to serve. 

Week in The Life - Day 7

06.00am : Last day for this project

Started with a beautiful morning

09.00am - 03.00pm : A full day with busy class

Broken up with class activities  

04.15pm : David said he bought something for himself

It's an Indonesian/English dictionary  ^_^

06.30pm : Had dinner at Para Hills Bowling Club

with Bertie and Maria

07.15pm : After waiting like forever

the Oysters Kilpatrick was served

07.30pm : Not long after, 

the Fisherman Fantasy was served

08.00pm : I was so full, but how could I
refuse the waffle with almond ice-cream?

09.00pm : stop by at Maria's place

for a cup of tea and play a game of Rummy-O

Someday, you'll remember

that the day you feel most alive,

are the days when you did

what you love

--- Ria Nirwana ---

Week in The Life - Day 6

07.30am : Went to school

while my husband still slept nice and warm under the doona

08.30am : Still feels so cold

Looks like a long winter this year

01.30pm : Walked from Rundle Mall to Pirie Street

So many things to capture and to see here too

01.50pm : At the Adelaide City Council Library

where I volunteer 2 hours per week

05.45pm : In my father in-law's kitchen

where l help him prepare dinner

09.00pm : Enjoyed the rest of the day
in front of the heater

Week in The Life - Day 5

08.00am : Busy preparing lunch

Rice with egg and mushrooms stir fry with steamed broccoli

10.00am : First day back at school

Took the bus and the train 

Noon : At Tafe SA - Renaissance Centre

We have a new, big coffee room

12.15pm : Through the big window 

The view from 6th floor is very beautiful

03.30pm : The walk to train station 

So many things to see and capture

05.00pm : My father in-law had a surprise for me,
two beautiful bottles for oil and vinegar

09.00pm : Called Janice and Glenn in Jakarta

I miss my niece and nephew

Week in The Life - Day 4

09.30am :  First things to do
is to feed the birds in our backyard

12.10pm : We arrived at The Lakes Hotel
expecting lunch with the Card Club
However, we got the wrong venue!
Still took some pics though 

02.00pm : David checked the Sunday Mail
What's on the TV this weekend

02.15pm : I did my favourite puzzle
but I got stuck and couldn't finish it. 

03.00pm : More books!
Where am I going to put these?
I need a new shelves, my Dear Husband

04.00pm : Improved my scrap-booking knowledge
from the book I borrowed from the library

05.30pm : Went to Pizza Chef
Menu for tonight was supreme pizza plus anchovies and prawns

09.00pm : Read a bit before bed time
I want to finish "for one more Day" by Mitch Albom