Story about my Mother's Morris (car) and a close call with a cemetary.

 My mother Joy is legendary for her love of speed........she loves to drive fast, loved to go up in small airplanes, ride motor bikes and ride in speed boats.  This Morris was the type of car she had when I was a small child. 

 I was at a park in Perth Australia a few years ago and discovered a showing of these antiques, and got a few pictures.

The speed limit in my neighborhood in Hillsborough was about 30 mph.  That was the trial of my mothers life.  I think I was only three years old when I accidentally opened the car door while we were going  along and hung on for dear life as I swung out into the street.  I let go and rolled into the gutter. No seat belts  or child safety seats in those days.

 This was right in front of the local cemetery.  A nice man ran over to me and picked me up, while my mother had to drive away a bit to turn around and come back for me.  I skinned my hands and knees but recovered just fine.  However I scared the heck out of my poor Mom.

 This cemetery is on a hillside overlooking the harbor.  Its a very popular spot to take photos.

 My life long friend Su' lives right across the street from this memorable spot to this day, and whenever I'm in Auckland I always go back there.

  One of the favorite childhood breakfasts in New Zealand involved baked beans.  Usually served  heated up a bit, right from the can on  buttered toast.

 You'll find lots of British cultures serve beans as part of the breakfast plate.

However my current favorite way to have baked beans is the BBQ version that have been truly baked in the oven, with a rich deep flavor that can't even compare to the straight from the can version.

Here's my recipe:

• 2 cans of baked beans, drained and rinsed clean.
• 1 c ketchup
• 1/2 c brown sugar
• 1/4 c prepared mustard
• 6 pieces of cooked bacon crumbled

Preheat oven to 350 oF

Combine the rinsed off beans with the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and bacon in a large baking dish.

Bake for 30 mins until bubbly and top is caramelized.

These go great with fresh sweet corn on the cob, BBQ steak, chicken or hamburgers and a green salad.  Now we're talking  the traditional American way to have these beans.  I will still eat  them the  British way whenever I'm served the traditional breakfast.  But to my friends in New Zealand if you're reading this, give this American way a try too.