ALTON TOWERS and biscuits

I have pictures to share this week :D

I've joined a volunteer local film group. Basically for people interested in working with film in any capacity. We just find little projects that interest us and have with it. Right now we are hoping to make a little promotional piece for a Credit Union based on a poem that was written for them.

Why does this follow the above picture? The meetings are at Fletcher Moss Park and this is the gate there to enter some of the gardens. Doesn't the friendly architecture invite you in? The park is actually really gorgeous. I didn't take pictures of the actual garden that day because the trees were covered in streamers. I think it was decorated for a wedding happening that weekend. I will be back often though and will have more pictures for you.

My roommate and I have been trying to decorate a cake. It has been a bit of a learning process...

This week, we got the fondant made before the cakes so that part was good. The first cake we made however (the partially eaten one here) we put too much in the pan and it overflowed and didn't cook properly because it was thicker than the directions I was following. After a few tries we got it cooked but it was in no fit shape to be covered in fondant. So we made another one (this was our third cake attempt). As you can see that one looked much nicer.

 

Our fondant applying skills could still use some work but we finally did it!

I went to Alton Towers this weekend with the Salford student union group. I had asked multiple people to go with me but my friends here are not thrill seekers apparently. I've been wanting to go to Alton Towers since...February, so I decided I would no longer be deterred! I booked my lonely, single ticket and joined the bus to Alton Towers on my lonesome. Thankfully upon arrival I was immediately adopted by two of my bus mates and they let me follow them around showed me which ones were the best rides to go on in the limited time we had. We were there from 10-5, 7 hours and we barely scratched the surface of the rides. This is probably because we were there on a Saturday, fighting with all the normal people, with jobs, and kids out of school...If I decide to go back on my own, I'll try a weekday next time.

This is the new ride, The Smiler. We stood in line for an hour and a half for this one. It is super popular. It was awesome, but I would wait for a much shorter line next time.

This is Rita (the rollercoaster's name, not anyone in the picture).

The towers of Alton Towers :D

This is Nemesis. The second to last ride we went on and it was GREAT. Maybe my favorite ride. I haven't ever ridden the ones where your feet are dangling. We also stood in the separate line so we were at the very front. I loved this ride.

 

Me, at the theme park and one of the people who adopted me for the day :D

Map and ticket :) I didn't buy souvenirs...it's just a theme park.

I was talking to my British friends and we were discussing the difference between American biscuits, and British biscuits...they aren't the same. So I told them I'd make some to bring on Sunday. I didn't bother to use a special biscuit cutter. I used my wine glasses instead! I'm posting this just to bother my aunt who was semi-scandalized by my sister and I drinking coke out of wine glasses...now they are also biscuit cutters. Why haven't I had wine glasses my whole life? They are so versatile :P

The finished biscuits :D I got many compliments and I don't think I made quite enough for everyone so I will have to make 'em again. I was practically drooling over them as I took them to church. I will be making some more for myself as well.

 

By the by, I wanted to share some apple butter to go with my biscuits, but couldn't find any at the local grocery store. The lady I asked about it had never heard of it. Does anyone know good recipes for making it yourself? I'm not sure that I want to go into jam making, but if there is a simple way you guys know of I'd love to have some for myself. Then we'll see about sharing.