Labels, Cake - the good things in life

These arrived yesterday...I was pretty excited. I have been pacing for a couple of weeks and sitting at the letterbox with doeful eyes as the postman arrives; only a small amount of pride stopping me from hanging on to his scooter begging him to take another look in his mailbag. I know, I know - a little sad. But they are here ... and the companion for the pink dress (photographed below) is all done. I've sewed on the labels to both dresses now and they will start their new life as sandgropers when I post them off to Perth on Monday. (Sorry about the bad photo - it is a bit rainy and overcast today so the flash was going bananas)

I have had a lovely day today. Mavis, my neighbour from three doors down is in her seventies. We always have a good chat on the street when we see each other. Yesterday she spied me with a bouquet of red gum I had relocated from the Uni carpark. She appeared late afternoon with a gorgeous posy of freishas from her garden just for me. So this afternoon I invited her around for afternoon tea. I cracked out the tea pot and made a Date and Ginger Slice and also my favourite Moist Coconut Cake. Mavis is ace. She has lived in our street for 48 years so she has a good story or three. I really love where I live.

This recipe was given to me by a gorgeous woman I worked with some 6 years ago. It is so easy to make and completely delicious. You can replace the lemon juice with lime if you prefer.

Date and Ginger Slice with Lemon Icing

1/2 cup butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup dates

1/2 cup chopped preserved ginger

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 cup self raising flour

1 egg

Preheat oven to 180C. Grease lamington tray. Melt butter and sugar in a pan, allow to cool then add all other ingredients. Mix well. Pour into tray and bake 30 minutes until golden.

Icing

2 cups icing sugar

zest of one lemon

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons softened butter

Mix all well until light and fluffy. Spread over slice and cut into fingers.